Following a spate of sign removals, the Dunedin City Council has called for them to be returned — with no questions asked.
A DCC spokesman said council staff were aware of four signs that had been taken from different coastal locations around the city.
"That’s really disappointing.
"These signs are there to keep everybody safe and protect our precious wildlife.
"They’re not ornaments for somebody’s house."
The signs were placed near areas known to be occupied by sea lions and aimed to warn beach-users and motorists that they were there.
Sea lions have been known to chase people and dog walkers, and there have been incidents where vehicles have hit and injured or killed sea lions on roads in coastal areas.
"We encourage whoever has taken the signs to do the right thing and return them," he said.
"They can be dropped off at the Dunedin City Council customer services reception area."
