LABASA special administrator Vijay Chand has warned scrap metal collectors not to remove road signs and manhole covers or face the consequences of their action.
Scrap metal collectors have been seen around Labasa Town area carrying digging forks and knives to clear areas of scrap metal.
Mr Chand said although his office had not received any reports of illegal removal of road signs or manhole covers, he is asking scrap metal collectors to work within the Scrap Metal Decree which outlined conditions.
He said that if reports of such illegal activities were received by his office, they would intervene.
"I hope the scrap metal collectors work within the Scrap Metal Decree and know the rules they have to adhere to in order to sell to dealers," he said.
"We wouldn't want our road signs, manhole covers and metals from other public infrastructure to be removed.
"We will intervene and deal with them if that happens," said Mr Chand.
Police have closely monitored the situation in Labasa through awareness programs in villages and settlements.
Police media officer north Constable Luke Rawalai said the awareness programs had included discussions on the Scrap Metal Decree.
"We are informing the community about the guidelines of dealing with scrap metal and the penalties under the decree.
"We are also pleading with them to obtain proper licences which is required by the decree," he said.