Phoenix police remind community of penalties for stealing campaign signs

PHOENIX – As Election Day nears, the Phoenix Police Department is warning the community that there are consequences for stealing or damaging campaign signs.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Mercedes Fortune said the department is fielding reports of stolen, damaged and vandalized campaign signs, specifically signs being being stolen out of yards

“I think the biggest concern for people that are reporting them is that someone is actually going on to their property and that’s more concerning to them – so they want to make sure they report that type of activity,” Fortune told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Under Arizona state law, it’s illegal for a person to remove, intentionally damage or deface any political sign of any candidate for office or any sign that is in support or opposition of any ballot measure.

Fortune said stealing a campaign sign is considered theft and is classified as a class two misdemeanor.

With the help of technology, more people are aware of what’s going on in their front yard and it’s easier for them to report a crime.

“We know there’s a lot of videos that have been shared on NextDoor and different platforms for security in those neighborhoods,” Fortune said. “But we are seeing an increase in those.”

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