Sign Theft, Vandalism Sparks Investigation

BASKING RIDGE, NJ—Bernards Township Police are investigating two incidents of theft and vandalism which saw both pro-police and anti-police brutality signs stolen and damaged.

An Acken Road resident reported a "Say Their Names" sign was taken and a similar sign was damaged sometime on Sept. 2. The owner reported that it was the second incident of signs taken from the yard, and the item stolen was tied down with anchors and fishing wire to prevent another theft.

The following morning, at about 5 a.m., a resident of Forest Trail reported three "Blue Lives Matter" signs stolen from their yard. The signs were also inscribed with "Duty-Honor-Courage."

Bernards police said there is no evidence that the two incidents are related, and cautioned that more complaints like these are possible this fall.

"These instances are beginning to increase and tend to peak as the election gets closer," said Bernards Police Det. Lt. Jon Burger. "Unfortunately, these instances are hard to solve as the signs are usually placed very close to the street making them easy targets for vandals and thieves."