LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Election emotions are running high. Growing reports of people stealing campaign signs from neighborhood yards are coming within a week.

Local police departments said they have seen an increase in complaints about stolen campaign signs.

“Luckily we didn’t have many. » However, Capt. Andrew Daenzer of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office said that doesn’t mean signs aren’t being stolen throughout the county. He said each state has its own consequences when it comes to theft and vandalism, but trespassing on someone’s property is also a crime.

Earlier this month, police arrested a 27-year-old Charlevoix man after 72 stolen political signs were found in his home.

“There is definitely a trespassing problem,” Captain Daenzer said. “You can’t just walk onto someone’s property and take their belongings or items. That’s definitely something we need to prove.

Under Michigan law, stealing a campaign sign is a misdemeanor. You could face up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both.

“They can steal your sign, but they can’t steal your vote. » Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum said it was up to the victim to report the incident to the proper authorities.

Last week, Michigan State Police responded to a report of stolen campaign signs in Hillsdale County. In a statement sent to News 10, Chief Deputy Clerk Abe Dane said:

“Our office refers all questions related to campaign finance violations to the Secretary of State’s Campaign Finance Division. If stolen property is the problem, the problem will be reported to the police. I don’t have any statistics because we don’t get involved in these issues.”

Daenzer said political signs can affect neighborhood dynamics even after the election season ends. He said: “We just encourage people to be good neighbors and leave aside other people’s signs. »

If you suspect your political signs have been stolen or vandalized, you can report the problem to the local sheriff’s office or the Michigan State Police.

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