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These are the charges you can face
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These are the charges you can face

SF. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — Many of you have called WPTV and tagged us online to tell us about the vandalism or theft of political signs in Palm Beach County across the Treasure Coast.

“It’s very hot, that’s for sure,” said Ronald Barnett, a supporter of former President Donald Trump. “We wish we didn’t hear about all the bad things that happen because that’s not what it’s about.”

He claims a man driving on Indiantown Road in Jupiter Farms was taking Trump signs from medians.

“I just want to see a fair election myself, and if a Trump sign is here, leave it alone,” Barnett said. “I’m not going to hold up a Harris sign because that’s not what we Republicans do.”

Republican Ronald Barnett talks about the theft he witnessed this election season.

WPTV

Republican Ronald Barnett talks about the theft he witnessed this election season.

Cell phone video he shared with WPTV showed the moment he confronted the man, telling him to put the signs back.

The man claimed it was public property and later drove away.

“If the man in that video sees this, what is your message to him?” WPTV reporter Joel Lopez said.

“I would like him to put the signs back,” Barnett said.

Barnett said he contacted the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, which told WPTV they are looking into the matter.

WPTV reported last week that PBSO received 49 calls related to a wide range of political incidents since February. The busiest month was October with 13 calls.

Democrat Bob Villa says signs endorsing Kamala Harris for president disappeared shortly after they were put up.

WPTV

Democrat Bob Villa says signs endorsing Kamala Harris for president disappeared shortly after they were put up.

We contacted the agency on Monday and they said they had received three more calls since our last inquiry.

“I agree, it should be fair, it should be equal, you don’t have to do that,” said Bob Villa with the St. Louis County Democrats. Lucia. “There is room for everyone and after the election we will still be neighbors.”

Villa claimed Harris signs at polling places were gone.

“We follow the rules, we put the signs down,” Villa said. “The next day they left and it’s sad, but we’re still there.”

It’s not just the candidates, WPTV also obtained surveillance video of a woman from Port St. Lucie vandalizing and stealing Florida amendment signs.

Since January, police in Port St. Lucie said they had 12 political incidents, seven of which were classified as vandalism or theft.

“We have people with polar opposite opinions and perspectives,” said Leo Niemczyk, deputy chief of the Port St. Police Department. Lucia.

Assistant Police Chief of Port St. Lucie outlines the criminal charges people could face if they are caught stealing campaign signs.

WPTV

Assistant Police Chief of Port St. Lucie outlines the criminal charges people could face if they are caught stealing campaign signs.

Niemczyk said it is a misdemeanor to alter political signs, whether they are on public or private property.

If taken from private property, it could also be classified as theft, depending on the location.

“What is your message to people who steal or vandalize these signs?” Lopez asked.

“Go ahead, don’t get arrested because of a sign,” Niemczyk said.

If you’re caught, you could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Officials with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office have said in the past they have had problems, but the election has been quiet.

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Lucie said she doesn’t track call statistics related to political issues.

WPTV has requested information from the Indian River and Okeechobee County Sheriff’s offices, but has not heard back.