CUMBERLAND CO., Pa. (WHP) — Tensions are rising in some neighborhoods, such as one in Mechanicsburg, as police say they’re seeing an increase in reports of election sign theft.

Neighbors who spoke to CBS21’s Maxine Rose said it’s a sign of the times.

“The fact that we’re in trouble now I think is just an example of the attitude that’s taken over the country with its particular election,” said Daniel Polinski, a Mechanicsburg resident.

Polinski, 75, a veteran, said he now has to bring his election signs inside when it gets dark outside.

“I left them out all night. My first sign is gone. Two nights later another sign was stolen,” he said. “Someone put up a Trump sign first thing in the morning. Three nights after the Trump signing, they put up a second Trump sign.”

His neighbor, Patty Hirsch, who said she caught several incidents on her ring camera, explained that there seemed to be some commotion in their usually quiet neighborhood.

“The Trump campaign, the Harris campaign — we have both in this neighborhood. But, we’ve never had this kind of hype where you take one yard sign and put it up at another yard because you don’t see a sign there without knowing it’s illegal,” Hirsch said.

Mechanicsburg police said they have received five reports of sign theft in the past three months. They said they also made two arrests.

However, police said most people will only report a theft once it becomes their last straw, meaning the theft may have happened several times before they called.

“Some people look at it as pranks and, you know, I’ve seen things on TikTok and Snapchat and stuff when it comes to that. But you know, again, with things being as politically charged as they are, they’re the property of the people,” said Lt. Brian Curtis of the Mechanicsburg Police Department.

Lt. Curtis said when a suspect is identified, they also consider other factors, such as criminal trespass or vandalism, depending on the situation.

“The more you steal, the higher the crime, but every case and misdemeanor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania results in fingerprinting, photography and a criminal record.”

“To me, our police have better things to do,” Polinksi said. “You should be able to put a sign for someone you support on your property and not let people steal it, no matter who you stand for.”

Police also pointed out that they’ve seen muggings on both sides of the aisle.