Houston crosswalk signs vandalized to show rude gesture

HOUSTON, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Houston residents are complaining of LED crosswalk signs being vandalized to make the red "Don't Walk" hand appear to be making a rude gesture.

At least two crosswalk signs located near schools and businesses in the city have been targeted in recent days by a vandal or vandals blacking out all but the middle finger of the red hands, making it appear that they are flipping the bird to pedestrians.

Photos of the signs were posted to social media by residents.

The City of Houston Public Works Department, which repaired the signs, said similar vandalism has been seen in the city before. A representative said investigating the incidents is a matter for police.

Kinsla Glasgow opened the Total Hair Elite salon this year and is disappointed to see vandalism so near to the business she's worked hard creating.

"[City crews] are making the neighborhood nice. We want to keep it that way. It's where we live; it's where we work. So, I'd appreciate it if they keep it the way it should be," Kinsla Glasgow, whose business, Total Hair Elite, is located near one of the signs, told KTRK-TV.

Other residents took the sign vandalism in good humor.

"I like this sign better especially for our very polite and educated Houstonians, perfect," Aguilar Briceno wrote on Facebook.