Campaign signs reported missing

By Staff
Melissa Cason
RED BAY – The municipal elections are just around the corner, and candidates are out knocking on doors, and hanging signs in order to get their names out to the voters.
Candidates in Red Bay are reporting numerous sign thefts even though stealing a sign is theft of property.
Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said most people don't realize that political signs are considered personal property even though they are placed in public places and on others' property.
"It would be the same as stealing a car left on the roadside in order to sale," Rushing said.
Defacing or damaging political signs is also against the law.
"There is an ongoing investigation in another county where one candidate was caught vandalizing another's signs," Rushing said. "We fully expect there to be criminal charges brought forth if the allegations can be proven."
Rushing said stealing political signs is considered third-degree theft of property, which is a misdemeanor charge as long as the cost of theft is less than $500.
Vandalizing signs is considered third-degree criminal mischief, which is a Class B misdemeanor.
"If you were taking or vandalizing larger, more expensive signs, then it would be fairly easy to work their way up to the felony charge level on these charges," Rushing said.
Rushing said property owners should contact the candidate if a sign has been placed on their property without their permission