A ROAD speed device has been stolen by people believed to be taking revenge for having been caught speeding.

Vandals and thieves have been targeting Smiley Sid, the friendly traffic sign that gives motorists a smile when they obey the speed limit and a frown when they break it.

Vandals seriously damaged a sign only days after it was installed at Liverton Mines, east Cleveland.

Thieves, using bolt-cutters, stole another Smiley Sid less than 48 hours after it arrived at Majuba Road, Redcar.

Their actions have been condemned by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which adopted the system to combat speeding motorists without issuing fines. The council operates eight in the borough.

Councillor Eric Empson said: "We are talking about a total of £6,000 worth of damage, and that is no laughing matter. The only reason I can think of is that these idiots believe it is a form of speed camera. Of course, they are not.

"We organised a very successful trial period, then reintroduced them in the first week of August last year.

"Since then, we can prove they have been equally successful in reducing drivers' speeds.

"We will, of course, be repairing the damaged sign and replacing the stolen one, unless the misguided people who stole it have the good grace to return it, now they know exactly what they are for."