Orangetown political parties allege candidate campaign signs stolen, defaced
News 12 is learning about campaign signs allegedly being stolen and defaced in Rockland County ahead of Election Day.
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News 12 is learning about campaign signs allegedly being stolen and defaced in Rockland County as Election Day approaches.
The Orangetown Democratic Committee says more than 150 of its candidates signs were allegedly stolen this past weekend, and reports were made to law enforcement.
"This is a level that we just haven't seen before,” said Larry Vail, a Tappan resident who was one of the people who had campaign signs taken from his home. "My particular area, I noticed that everything from the Clarke Rail Trail to the middle of Tappan was removed."
The Orangetown GOP tells News 12 they have also received reports of missing and damaged signs, including a sign for Republican Rep. Mike Lawler that appeared to be burned.
Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny showed News 12 other photos of damaged Rep. Lawler signs that were cut in half while adding a pearl river resident had an assemblyman Republican John McGowan campaign sign taken.
“Sadly, I don’t think these acts are limited to one party over another and unless there are consequences, it will continue to happen,” said Supervisor Kenny in a statement to News 12.
Jemar Ward, of Valley Cottage, noticed on Saturday morning that there was trash on his front yard and Democratic candidate signs were taken from his home.
"I was pretty upset and disturbed. Somebody is trespassing on my property and kind of violating my civic rights,” said Ward.
Clarkstown police say there have been five reported incidents of political sign theft since September with no witnesses or video surveillance.
Piermont police say they are investigating six reports of political signs being removed from people's property over the past week.
News 12 reached out to other local law enforcement agencies and did not hear back.
