Norwich police: It's illegal to steal political signs
Norwich — As Election Day nears, police are reminding residents that those who steal political signs are subject to arrest on charges including larceny and criminal trespass.
Sgt. 1st Class Peter Camp said city police haven’t experienced any sign-stealing issues, yet, but have been vigilant in reminding residents of the crime since 2010, when Attorney Chuck Norris saw his probate judge campaign signs disappear at an alarming rate.
Police said they investigate all reported incidents of altered, damaged and stolen election signs.
“Not only is stealing a political sign a crime, it infringes on the sign owner’s First Amendment rights of freedom of speech,” police wrote in a news release that urges residents to be considerate of others and their property.
Police also reiterated that political signs are not permitted on utility poles or city- and state-owned properties such as median strips and parks.
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