Robstown police warn against stealing or vandalizing campaign signs

ROBSTOWN, TX – It seems even election campaigns aren’t immune to crime. Robstown police have received reports of stolen or vandalized campaign signs and are warning those responsible that they could face serious legal trouble if they are identified.

“We’re going to take it just as seriously as we would if it were a theft of a vehicle,” Chief Mike Tamez said. Stealing a campaign is considered theft because it deprives someone of their property without their consent. Stealing a sign is a class C misdemeanor, with a $500 fine, but it becomes a slippery slope the more signs you steal, and it can lead to jail time.

“Let’s say you drive around and steal ten different signs from one candidate, and those signs are worth a thousand dollars,” Tamez said. “Yes, then you will be charged a much greater violation for all those signs. ”

Fernando Arevalo

At this time there are no suspects as to who the vandals could be. It does not appear that signs are taken from one location more often than from any other location. Although Tamez mentioned it, it appears certain candidate boards are being targeted more than others. He says he is currently in contact with detectives to find images of a perpetrator

“We will look at video camera or door camera images to do everything we can to identify a suspect. We are not going to enable behavior by not going after people.”

Tamez had one message for those responsible.

“We will definitely prosecute those responsible, even if it is considered a petty crime or petty theft, they will pay for it.”

For the latest local news updates, click hereor download the KRIS 6 News app.