The signs at the intersection of Whiskey Road and Easy Street in the Winter Colony area of Aiken have been a popular target for thieves over the years. RON COCKERILLE/STAFF

For the city of Aiken over the years, replacing the street signs marking the locally famous intersection of Whiskey Road and Easy Street in downtown is an ongoing hassle.

Last week, the city had to replace the sign again.

Capt. Tom Galardi of the Aiken Department of Public Safety said the thief or thieves were successful even though the sign was secured with extra braces and bolts.

Would-be thieves haven't always been as resourceful, however.

''Awhile back, we had someone try to hack off the sign with a saw,'' Capt. Galardi said. ''An officer drove by and saw the hacksaw just hanging there.''

The Whiskey and Easy intersection is not famous just because of the unusual street names. The intersection is at the heart of the Winter Colony community, an area known historically for its wealth and devotion to equestrian lifestyles.

Local historians say liquor was run into town on Whiskey Road during Prohibition, and Fred Astaire once danced on Easy Street.

Capt. Galardi said the signs cost the city's sign shop anywhere from $100 to $150 to produce. He said anyone caught stealing one would be charged with petty larceny.

The punishment could be as high as a $5,025 fine and 30 days in jail.

Reach Eric Williamson at (803) 648-1395 or eric@augusta.com.