Make No Mistake..Stealing Signs is a Crime

REDLANDS >> Redlands Police on Thursday arrested a 17-year-old Loma Linda boy for petty theft in connection with the theft of several political campaign signs. On April 25, Republican congressional candidate Paul Chabot contacted Redlands Police to report the theft of a campaign yard sign from a residence near the corner of Smiley Heights Drive and Sunnyside Avenue. A witness connected with Chabot’s campaign reported seeing the driver of a Mazda four-door hatchback remove the sign from the yard before driving away with it. The witness provided a license plate number which returned to a registered owner in Loma Linda. On Thursday, May 5, police located seven Chabot campaign signs in the trash can at the curb in front of the vehicle owner’s home. Detectives contacted the owner’s 17-year-old son who admitted stealing the signs, along with yard signs for open houses and other non-political activities. The suspect denied connection with any political campaign or candidate. Police charged the suspect with petty theft. The signs were valued at $8 apiece.