WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA) - It's vandalism, to be sure, but it's a crime a lot of motorists appear to sympathize with.
Large orange X's painted on trees and utility poles at two locations in Washington now mark spots where officials appear to have have cleverly hidden speed enforcement cameras from oncoming motorists.
The orange paint can be seen from distances of up to a block to warn motorists of the notorious speed traps in the 600 block of Missouri Avenue, N.W. and at the intersection of South Dakota Ave. and Taylor Ave. N.E.
The markings appeared before the morning rush hour Wednesday.
"He's Robin Hood. He steals from the rich and gives to the poor," laughed Maury Sumes who says he has been issued tickets from the Missouri Ave. camera because it is so well hidden. The official sign warning of photo enforcement is three block away.
"I definitely appreciate the warning," said motorist Jason Williams. "The District is just crazy with these speed cameras."
Police say that speed camera locations are no secret. In fact they post the spots on the internet specifically to warn motorists to slow down. Signs also warn of photo enforcement areas.
"We would prefer that people slow down rather than vandalize government property," said Metropolitan Police spokesperson Gwendolyn Crump.