In a time of heightened bushfire risk, police have condemned the act of vandals who dismantled and removed a crucial fire danger warning sign in northern Victoria as “reckless and dangerous.”

In the small community of Koonoomoo, unknown individuals targeted the automated sign situated at the intersection of Goulburn Valley Highway and Greens Lane, sometime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. yesterday.

These culprits not only cut down the sign but also absconded with the solar battery, leaving behind a scene of destruction.

Valued at approximately $60,000, the sign plays a vital role in informing residents about the level of fire danger in the area.

On the day of the incident, Koonoomoo and its neighboring regions were under a high fire safety rating, with total fire bans enforced in other parts of the state.

Currently, multiple bushfires continue to rage uncontrollably across Victoria, exacerbating the threat to the area.

Detective Acting Sergeant Leah Booth said the thieves’ actions had placed the whole community in potential danger.

“To damage a sign that alerts the community to the fire danger rating is completely reckless and dangerous.

“These signs are in place to make sure people who are in the area are aware of the fire danger safety rating to abide by the restrictions and act if needed.

“You are not only cutting down and damaging a sign, but you are also potentially putting the wider community at risk”.