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Political tensions rising as the election draws near

As the 2020 election draws near, neighbors are reporting signs supporting political candidates being stolen by opponents.

As political tensions continue to rise with the approaching election, Hamden residents are concerned that reckless behavior is getting out of control.

Mary Beth Gaunucheau posted a message on the Next Door application, a platform for neighbors to communicate about what’s going on in their area. Her message had to do with the hostile political climate in Hamden, as she expressed concern about some people’s poor decision making.

“Just want to remind everyone that stealing political signs off of people’s property is not just a prank but is, in fact, against the law,” Ganucheau wrote in the post. “If caught the person/persons can be charged with trespass and larceny.”

Stealing a sign off of somebody’s lawn could be classified as larceny in the sixth degree, according to Connecticut state law. Larceny in the sixth degree involves wrongfully obtaining or withholding property from its rightful owner when the value of the property stolen is less than $500. Joe Biden’s lawn signs are being sold for $25 on store.joe biden.com, while Donald Trump’s lawn signs are being sold for $20 on shop.donaldjtrump.com

Gaunucheau revealed her frustration about not only the physical theft, but what the act of stealing the sign stood for. She expressed displeasure about a deteriorating culture in the United States.

“Putting up political signs and exercising your right to free speech is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,” Ganucheau wrote in the post. “Whatever your political affiliation, can’t we all remember that first and foremost we’re all Americans? Let’s protect everyone’s rights rather than trying to subvert them.”

Others chimed in by commenting on Ganucheau’s post, supporting her message to her community.

Messages such as, “Agree. That is just wrong for anyone to do,” and “Great to know others in Hamden think like me,” were littered in Ganucheau’s comment section. Her message clearly resonated with other members of the community.

Still, there are those who think that stealing signs is harmless and their own version of freedom of expression. A senior journalism major at Quinnipiac University — who wished to stay anonymous because of potential implications — shared her thoughts on the matter.

“I don’t see it as a bad thing, since I think the Trump signs are symbols of hate,” the source said. “(The owners) can just buy another one, so I have no sympathy for them. It might also seem pointless to steal them, knowing that they can replace them, but it’s kind of funny making them have to buy another one.”

Stealing campaign signs is a crime. Should the sign’s rightful owner decide to press charges and the criminal found guilty they could face up to three months in prison in addition to fines.

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