Many of you have called WPTV and tagged us online to tell us about vandalized or stolen political signs from Palm Beach County across the Treasure Coast.

“It’s definitely hot, that’s for sure,” said Ronald Barnett, a supporter of former President Donald Trump. “We wish we didn’t hear all this nastiness because that’s not what it’s about.”

He claims a man driving on Indiantown Road in Jupiter Farms was taking Trump signs from the medians.

“I just want to see a fair election myself, and if a Trump sign is there, leave it alone,” Barnett said. “I’m not going to put up a Harris sign because that’s not what we Republicans do.”

Cellphone video he shared with WPTV shows the moment he confronted the man, telling him to put the signs back.

The man claimed it was public property and then fled.

“If the man in this video sees this, what is your message to him?” said WPTV reporter Joel Lopez.

“I wish he would just put the signs back up,” Barnett said.

Barnett said he contacted the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, who told WPTV they were looking into the matter.

WPTV reported last week that PBSO has received 49 calls related to a wide range of political incidents since February. The busiest month was October with 13 calls.

We contacted the agency on Monday and they said they had received three more calls since our last inquiry.

“I agree, it should be fair, it should be equal, you don’t need to do that,” said Bob Villa of the St. Lucie County Democratic Party. “There is room for everyone and after the elections we will still be neighbors.”

Villa claimed Harris signs at polling places were missing.

“We follow the rules, we put up the signs,” Villa said. “The next day they left and it’s sad, but we’re still there.”

It’s not just about the candidates, WPTV also obtained surveillance video of a Port St. Lucie woman vandalizing and stealing signs related to the Florida Amendments.

Since January, Port St. Lucie police said they have had 12 political incidents, seven of which were listed as vandalism or theft.

“We have people with diametrically opposed opinions and perspectives,” said Leo Niemczyk, deputy chief of the Port St. Lucie Police Department.

Niemczyk said tampering with political signs is a crime, whether they are on public or private property.

If it comes from private property, it may also be considered a burglary depending on the location.

“What message do you send to people who steal or vandalize these signs? » »López asked.

“Forget it, don’t get stopped for a sign,” Niemczyk said.

If you are arrested, you could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

Officials with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said they have had problems in the past, but this election has been quiet.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said it does not track call statistics related to political issues.

WPTV requested information from the Indian River and Okeechobee County sheriff’s offices but did not receive a response.

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