Police to Political Sign Thieves: 'It's a Crime – It is Larceny'

The is asking Oakland Township residents for help identifying the individuals responsible for stealing "numerous" political yard signs from all over the township, Substation Commander Sgt. Tony Spencer said.

Spencer said there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to which signs are being taken, and that all candidates have been affected.

“They’re all missing – there’s no particular victim here,” he said.

But the disappearing signs aren't just a nuisance for the candidates and the residents who support them, Spencer said.

"It's a crime – it is larceny, and there is a monetary value involved in it."

Spencer also gave a warning to the sign thieves: “There might be trail cameras on these, so if you’re going to take them, be prepared, because we might have a picture of you.”

Spencer said several candidates are also considering utilizing video monitoring to help catch the responsible parties.

“This happens every four years when there’s an election," Spencer said. "These signs turn up missing, and it seems to be somebody who just doesn’t care for the clutter or look.”

Anyone with any information about the thefts is asked to contact OCSO Detective John Peters at 248-652-4886.