Non-partisan thieves stealing lawn signs

With more than a month before the general election November 2, it is that time of year when political signs disappear in the dark of the night. Both Republicans and Democrats in Presque Isle County are reporting incidents of sign theft. An angry Case Township resident who lives on Walker Highway called the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department, September 21 to report signs missing from his property.

He wasn’t the only victim. A Rogers City woman contacted the Rogers City Police Department within the last week and told officers her John Kerry sign was gone. According to Presque Isle County Sheriff Terry Flewelling, “It’s not just one party. There’s Bush/Cheney, Kerry/Edwards, all kinds of signs have been stolen.”

Flewelling suspects it’s young people playing

pranks. But considering the atmosphere of this year’s presidential campaign, it would be reasonable to speculate that some people – supposed responsible adults – have taken to thievery to make a political point.

Someone taking a sign could face charges of larceny, or even trespassing. Flewelling said thefts of political signs are difficult cases to investigate. There usually isn’t a lot of evidence left behind. Unless there is a witness, who observes a sign(s) being removed, or the description of a vehicle is relayed to officers, there isn’t usually a lot for police to work with.

“It’s pretty hard to find out who did it. These signs are getting stolen in the middle of the night,” said Flewelling. “It’s very typical, and it’s not just the presidential election, it’s even during the governor’s race.” The law enforcement community just hopes it’s not a growing trend as more signs start popping up as the campaigns enter the final month.