The Michigan Department of Transportation is asking for help keeping road signs in place.

MDOT say throughout the past two years, crews  have replaced more than 30 signs along M-22 in Benzie and Leelanau counties. Officials presume that “Stop Ahead” signs and “M-22” route markers have been stolen for novelty purposes.

Replacement signs have cost the taxpayers approximately $6,000 in northwest Michigan alone.

“This really is a safety concern for us,” said MDOT Director of Communications Jeff Cranson. "We don’t want tourists that may not be familiar with the area trying to figure out where they are as they enjoy the scenery.”

MDOT is asking residents to be more vigilant and report any theft or possession of stolen property to local law enforcement officials.