TWO MEN, who mistakenly thought they had been caught speeding on camera, made off with the evidence - an electronic speed sign.

The £3,000 speed sign, nicknamed Smiley Sid, which smiles or frowns at passing cars depending on whether the vehicle is within the speed limit, has been in operation at locations around the borough.

But on Wednesday, at about 6.45pm, the 8ft device was cut down by two men in a white van from its latest perch on a lamppost in Fabian Road, Eston, Middlesbrough.

The council's road safety manager, Mike Hall, is convinced the men responsible for the theft thought they were being filmed for speeding fines.

"That's the only motive I can think of," he said. "We've been told a white van pulled up by the device, two men got out, climbed up on the roof of the van, then used bolt cutters to cut Sid down.

"It's a funny scenario, but it's wanton vandalism and a crime, too."

He said the council had had an excellent reaction from the public about the idea.

"Everyone - apart from these two - seems to think it's a good scheme that does make motorists slow down," he said.

"Now our problem is simple. We bought the device for a trial and I don't believe we'll be able to replace it - unless the two men hear the truth behind SID and return it to us.

"If is a practical joke, please can we have it back. If the culprits phone me anonymously and leave the device somewhere for me to pick up, I will happily collect it."

The sign, launched in September, has the capacity to log thousands of motorists but does not record.

Anyone with information should ring Cleveland Police on (01642) 302626 or Mike Hall at the council on (01287) 612368.