Political sign theft increasing in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Springfield police say they have seen an increase in recent weeks in reports of political signs being stolen from people's yards.

In 20 days, people across the nation will cast their vote for the next President of the United States. One way people are showing their support is with yard signs.

"So far we haven't had any trouble. I believe strongly in First Amendment rights," John Brooks said.

John and Rebecca Brooks have lived in the Southern Hills neighborhood for nearly 30 years. During the 2020 elections, signs were stolen from their front yard, but they are trying something new this year.

When does early voting start in Missouri?

"They stole the Trump signs and left everything else there. And so, this year and then I went and got more," John said. "I just cut them in two from the top and then stapled them to our big oak trees and I thought that would kind of slow them down a little bit."

Cris Swaters with the Springfield Police Department says while they are getting more and more reports of stolen signs, there is only so much police can do.

"So, due to staffing, we do have to prioritize the detective's time. So, that means the level of the offense and its impact on the community do impact whether or not it is assigned for follow-up," Swaters said.

SPD says there are a few things you can do to protect your yard from any kind of theft.

"Leave the lights on. Any cameras that you have, you know, those looking to go out and steal something," Swaters said. "If you have the lights on and you have security cameras, that makes you a less desirable home to steal something from."