(LEAMINGTON, ON) – Leamington Detachment Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating mischief incidents wherein municipal election signs were recently vandalized and removed.

On Monday August 29, 2022, it was reported to the Leamington OPP that several election signs were found defaced or completely removed from their location in the Municipality of Leamington.

Essex County OPP would like to remind the public that it is a criminal offence to remove or damage official election signs on public property. People found damaging or removing signs can face charges of Mischief under the Criminal Code.

It is also an offence under the Trespass to Property Act to enter onto private property without colour of right.

If a sign has been placed on your private property without your permission, you may remove the sign. You may wish to contact the candidate whose sign it is to tell them you did not request the sign and ask them to remove it.

If you are not sure whether the sign is on private or public property, check with your municipality.

Should you have any information on these mischiefs please contact Leamington OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.catchcrooks.com , where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Photo by Mike Gosselin