Pennsylvania – Tempers are running hot as we get closer to the election, and political signs are getting stolen or damaged more frequently.
State Police have issued reminders before that stealing a political campaign sign is theft and is a crime.
This goes for all political signs, not just one political party… there have been numerous reports of it happening for all kinds of signs.
These are someone’s property, meaning that you can be theft or damaging property, usually considered a third degree misdemeanor in these cases.
A person found to have stolen a political campaign sign or signs may be charged with a violation of Title 18, Section 3921, Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition, which is as follows:
§ 3921. Theft by unlawful taking or disposition.
(a) Movable property.–A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, movable property of another with intent to deprive him thereof.
(b) Immovable property.–A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully transfers, or exercises unlawful control over, immovable property of another or any interest therein with intent to benefit himself or another not entitled thereto.
According to Title 18, Section 3903, Grading of theft offenses, theft of property valued at less than $50 constitutes a misdemeanor of the third degree.
For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.pa.gov.
