As election season approaches, a Michigan Sheriff's Department is reminding everyone to keep your hands off ... political signs. "Stealing, damaging, or removing political signs that do not belong to you is against the law," the Monroe County Sheriff's Department says.
They added: "You may not agree with the candidate, message, or political party and that is your right. Taking someone else’s sign is not."
Why is this such a hot-button issue on an otherwise beautiful summer Friday? Because it's the kind of theft that goes on and on and on.
In Missouri, for instance, police investigated after multiple election yard signs were stolen in Ellisville over the weekend. Caught on camera, the thief was nabbing signs promoted Proposition 1, a bond issue for the city to acquire and improve the Ellisville Athletic Association ball fields.
A Rutherford County commission candidate was captured stealing an opponent's signs and face a court hearing later this month. The sign, in that instance, had an Air Tag tracker.
An independent candidate in Milwaukee filmed himself removing opponent's signs, as if it was a joke. He's now being investigated by police, which isn't exactly the campaign headline anyone wants.
They're being caught more often than ever, which means more investigations of a petty crime, which means (and you can probably see where this is going) ... more police time spent and resources pulled away from serious offenses.
"Before you decide to remove a sign, remember: Ring cameras, security cameras, trail cameras, and other surveillance systems are everywhere. What may seem like a quick prank or harmless act can result in you being identified and held accountable.
"If you are caught stealing or damaging political signs, you can expect consequences," the Monroe Sheriff's Department said. "Let’s keep this election season respectful. If you don’t like a sign, keep scrolling, keep driving, and keep your hands off it.
