Political yard sign vandalism rising in Daviess County

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — Election Day is now just weeks away, and, like any election year, people are setting up yard signs to support their candidates.

The Daviess County Sheriff's Office says it's received several complaints of people stealing them.

The sheriff's office has seen incidents across the county, but Old Hartford Road, Foors Lane and Fairview Drive come to mind when we asked where this was happening. People who are caught stealing signs may face charges.

They're across our neighborhoods beginning this time of year — political yard signs both big and small. Voters gear up to make their voices heard at the polls.

With Election Day approaching, the Daviess County Sheriff's Office is receiving reports of people channeling their energy into these target of opportunity.

"I think most of the negativity is definitely associated with the presidential election and those candidates — we are seeing both parties, both candidate signs being taken and torn up," Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman says.

It's nothing new, but Sheriff Youngman says his office has recieved more complaints than in past years.

"There's a lot of interest in the election, and unfortunately it comes with a negative side," the sheriff says.

Sheriff Youngman says local races and their campaign signs aren't spared either.

While we're told many go unreported, he believes about half a dozen complaints have come through the sheriff's office over the last couple weeks.

While some are still standing tonight, some yard signs here in the Old Hartford Road and Fairview Drive area especially have been torn apart.

Sheriff Youngman is asking for people to stop.

"Don't just wake up tomorrow and see a sign that you don't like on the side and you're suddenly a thief or you're suddenly a vandal," Sheriff Youngman says.

Beware — there are penalties in store for those caught vandalizing signs.

They may be guilty of criminal trespass and possibly criminal mischief.

"Each one of those is a misdemeanor at least and carries a penalty of jail time plus a fine," Sheriff Youngman says.