Theft of road cones a criminal offence

Police are warning anybody who is found in unlawful possession of orange road cones will be charged with theft.

Superintendent Kelvin Powell, Acting National Manager Operations Support, said Police are very concerned at a message on "Facebook" encouraging people to join a "steal a road cone day" tomorrow.

"This is an act of theft and could also result in a serious accident causing death or injury," said Mr Powell.

"These cones are there for a reason to warn members of the public of road works or obstructions and are part of safety measures, required under law, by local authorities and roading contractors to keep people safe."

Acts endangering safety
• Every person is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $2,000 who, in any public place, without reasonable excuse and in circumstances likely to cause injury,—
• (a) Places or makes any obstruction; or
• (b) Digs and leaves any hole; or
• (c) Removes any protective structure or any warning sign or device.


Police will charge anyone found in possession of road cones unlawfully.

"This is a stupid prank and we would ask anyone who is thinking of stealing a cone to think again," said Mr Powell.