Vandalizing, stealing political yard signs is a crime, Kendall County State's Attorney, Sheriff warn

Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis and Kendall County Sheriff Dwight Baird issued a joint statement Friday, Oct. 9, reminding Kendall County residents that stealing or vandalizing political yard signs is a crime.

It is also a crime to place a political sign on private property without the property owner’s permission, according to Weis and Baird.

Sheriff's deputies and police in county municipalities have been responding to reports of stolen or vandalized political signs in recent weeks.

The statement reads: "If law enforcement is contacted regarding signs unlawfully placed on private property or signs vandalized or stolen, officers will respond, investigate, and seek criminal charges, where appropriate. Please keep in mind, every time an officer reports to investigate these matters, that is one less officer on the road protecting our streets and available to investigate other crimes.

"We have less than one month until the November 3, 2020, General Election. Please respect your fellow citizen’s private property and their freedom of expression. Regardless of political persuasion, the right of an individual to express their support for a specific candidate through yard signs and other electioneering material is a fundamental aspect of our democracy. Individuals do not, however, have a right to trespass on the property of another or to steal or vandalize the personal property of another. These are crimes.

"Please respect your neighbors, the time and effort of law enforcement, and our election process. Thank you."