Political signs are a form of freedom of speech and going on someone’s property to take them is against the law.
“Carol MacArthur, the Chairwoman of the Democratic Party, informed us that a few signs have gone missing,” said Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert. “The fact that it’s a political sign isn’t relevant. If they steal a bicycle, a garden gnome, or a political sign it’s a theft. Since the value of the property is under $1,500 it’s misdemeanor theft. This would be a misdemeanor theft and a municipal citation would be issued if the subjects were identified.”
MacArthur said there have been some Kamala Harris signs and some Nancy Boyda signs stolen and some vandalized. The signs are paid for by private citizens.
MacArthur said there are 25 missing Democratic Party signs missing in Fort Scott and three 4-foot by 8-foot signs in the rural part of Bourbon County. “Those three stolen in the county were 4 x 8s. Two other 4 x 8s in the county were vandalized,” she said.
MacArthur said it is disheartening, “but people in town are replacing their signs.”
“The city police are doing a good job of cruising around, and this has slowed down the thefts,” she said.
Fort Scott Police Department is located at 1604 South National and can be reached at 620-223-1700.