A number of traffic signs were seized by police personnel from the Kingston West Division yesterday after men were seen transporting them on handcarts.

When THE STAR contacted the Denham Town Police Station last night, an inspector said the signs were newly installed and were removed by criminals shortly after.

"During an operation yesterday in sections of the division, a group of men were seen carrying several of the signs on handcarts. These signs were newly installed throughout sections of the division," the Inspector explained.

The recovered signs included 'STOP', 'No Parking', 'No Right Turn' and 'No U-Turn'.

THE STAR was further told that the men ran leaving behind the signs and handcarts as the police tried to accost them.

The men are believed to be from the area and the police say they will be conducting investigations not to just find the identity of those culprits but also to prevent further thefts.

According to the police, the removal of the signs has caused confusion for motorists and as such they are appealing to persons to stop.

"It is illegal and it has caused a lot of confusion for people who have to use the roads ... We the police are begging persons to desist," the Inspector said.

The police say they theorise the signs recently seized would have been sold to players in the illegal scrap metal trade.