Sheriff Warns Illegal to Damage or Steal Campaign Yard Signs

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – The Becker County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that it is illegal to damage or steal campaign yard signs.

A theft of a political sign is no different than the theft of any other personal property. If someone is caught damaging or stealing campaign yards signs the offender may be charged with theft, damage to property and trespassing.

In Minnesota, the penalty for stealing or destroying yard signs and campaign flags depends on their value. If it’s $500 or less, the maximum penalty under Minnesota law is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

If someone steals a lot of signs over several months, he or she can be prosecuted for the lump sum value, which could raise the offense from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor or even a felony.