Iconic Malibu Signs Reportedly Stolen

MALIBU, CA -- The two iconic Malibu gateway signs were reportedly stolen April 14, according to the city of Malibu. The iconic signs have been gateway signs for the city for decades but listed the incorrect length of the city. Malibu replaced the signs on Monday, but not before thieves apparently made off with the signs.

The two signs, which listed the "27 miles of scenic beauty," located just west of Topanga Beach and the other on a dirt pullout west of Zuma Beach, vanished, according to Malibu spokesman Matt Myerhoff.

"One of the signs broke during the last storm and we don't know what happened to it," he said. "The other one just vanished, presumably stolen."

The estimated value of the signs is $8,000, according to a theft report filed with the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. The signs have been a popular destination with tourists and may have been stolen as mementos since the city was replacing them with new signs that accurately reflect the length of the city.

The original signs were installed in the 1960s by realtors when unincorporated Malibu was 27 miles long. When the city was incorporated in 1991, the length was set at 21 miles, but the signs remained.

Malibu unveiled four new signs Monday that read, "Malibu 21 Miles of Scenic Beauty." The signs were installed at the two original locations and at Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan Dume Road.

Photo courtesy of the city of Malibu