Sign-Stealing Spree Draws Ire Of Marblehead Residents: Police

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead police want a string of sign stealing incidents to stop.

Police released video of one of the thefts caught on camera as a deterrent and said they are looking for the public's help in identifying those who are swiping signs of all sorts throughout the town — targeting one family's signs in particular.

"Marblehead Police and one very frustrated family need your help," Marblehead police said. "Can you identify these people?

"Over the last month or so, the same home has had their lawn signs damaged, destroyed or stolen multiple times by unwelcomed individuals coming onto their private property."

Police said some of the thefts have happened at night, but recently they have been occurring during the day.

"While not crimes of the century, damaging (or) destroying someone's personal property is still a crime and, of course, stealing is also still a crime," police said. "The fact that a cardboard sign has a relatively low dollar value does not change the fact that it belongs to someone and taking it is just plain wrong."

Police said the location of the home released in the video is being withheld to "prevent any incentive to behave this way."

Police said it is believed those stealing the signs are "on the younger end of the age spectrum." The person stealing a sign in the police-released video appears to be part of a group of teen girls.

Police said the stolen signs have spanned the political spectrum.

"It is a wide cross section of signs/flags around town that have been going missing, including both political parties, All Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter, Thank you First Responders, Support Law Enforcement, LGBT flag, and private school signs," Marblehead police said in response to a question on social media.

"It’s acceptable to disagree," police concluded. "It is unacceptable to damage and steal."

Those who can identify those involved or provide information on the thefts are asked to contact Marblehead Police via the non-emergency number 781-631-1212.