The eight batteries, valued at £1000, were taken from the temporary lights located on the road north of Sanquhar sometime overnight Tuesday to Wednesday.
Constable Emily Conroy, of Police Scotland at Sanquhar, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been using the A76 road north of Sanquhar over this period if they have seen anything suspicious. Apart from the theft angle, the removal of these batteries caused the traffic lights to stop working which caused a road hazard and could have resulted in a crash.
“We ask anyone who can assist to call us on 101.”