Thieves Keep Stealing Daddyhole Lane Street Signs—And Honestly, It’s Kind of Hilarious
So, picture this: you’re in Torquay, this sleepy little English town where nothing much happens. Except, well, the street sign for Daddyhole Lane keeps vanishing. Like, all the time. The locals can’t decide whether to be annoyed or amused, and the council? They’re just tired of shelling out cash to replace it. But here’s the thing—why this sign? Turns out, it’s the perfect storm of history, humor, and a name that sounds, let’s be real, a bit naughty.
The Weird History Behind the Name
Okay, so “Daddyhole Lane” isn’t actually dirty. Shocker, right? It comes from some old English term for a coastal cave nearby—”Daddy Hole.” But try telling that to the giggling teens (and let’s be honest, probably some adults) who keep swiping the sign. Local records show it’s been stolen, what, a dozen times in the last five years? “It’s basically a meme at this point,” one council member told me, sighing. “A really expensive one.”
Why Can’t People Resist Stealing It?
Simple: because it’s funny. Psychologists say our brains just light up at rude-sounding words—it’s like we’re all stuck at age 12. And with social media? Forget about it. A stolen Daddyhole Lane sign isn’t just a prank; it’s instant clout. It’s not alone, either. There’s a “Butt Hole Road” in the UK that’s basically a sign thief’s trophy case. “People want a story,” a historian friend said. “And let’s face it, ‘I stole a sign called Daddyhole Lane’ is a great story.”
The Real Cost of All Those Missing Signs
Here’s where it gets less funny. Each replacement costs around £200, and guess who pays? Yep, taxpayers. The council’s tried everything—mounting signs higher, using tougher materials—but nothing sticks. Some locals are fed up. “Just rename the stupid thing,” one guy grumbled. Others? They’re weirdly protective. “It’s part of our heritage!” insisted a retiree at the pub. Then he paused. “Though maybe we could call it something less… theft-worthy.”
This Isn’t Just a Torquay Problem
Oh no. Australia’s got “Wonglepong.” Canada’s rocking “Dildo.” And in Pennsylvania, some dude actually got arrested for stealing “Intercourse Lane” signs. His defense? “It was too funny not to.” Can’t argue with that logic, I guess.
What’s the Solution?
Torquay’s tried cameras, community alerts—you name it. But the signs keep disappearing. Maybe they should lean into it? Sell mini replicas as souvenirs. Or go full scare tactic: “STEAL THIS SIGN AND YOU’LL PAY £500.” Honestly? I don’t know. Part of me hopes they never stop it. There’s something weirdly heartwarming about humans being this predictably silly.
At the end of the day, Daddyhole Lane is more than a street—it’s a mood. And as long as people love a cheeky joke, that sign’s gonna keep vanishing. The real question is: would we even want it to stop?
Want to Fall Down This Rabbit Hole?
- BBC News: The Signs Thieves Love to Steal (because of course the BBC covered this)
- Atlas Obscura: The World’s Most Unfortunate Street Names (spoiler: there are some gems)
- Torquay Council: Report Street Sign Thefts (snitches get… well, probably nothing, but still)
Source: NY Post – World News
