Love 'em or hate 'em, those election signs are protected by the law.
The North Bay OPP is issuing a reminder to all citizens that any act of mischief committed in relation to election signs is a criminal offence.
Recently, a number of occurrences have been reported to the OPP involving mischief to election signs posted at various locations within the Corbeil and Mattawa area.
People found committing such offences will be charged accordingly.
In most cases these signs are posted on private property. Any person entering onto private property, without colour of right, in order to attempt to commit an illegal act in relation to election signs is also guilty of trespassing.
The penalties for such actions will merit criminal charges, not to mention the persons found responsible will have a criminal record.
The right to post such materials is clearly defined by statute.
Deliberate destruction or unlawful removal is governed by the Criminal Code of Canada.
Anyone aware of such activity is encouraged to forward their information to the local OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
