Old Orchard Beach police are investigating the theft of 150 political signs that were stolen within hours of being put up around town Saturday night.
The signs, taken from both public and private property, were posted for the election June 11 in which all seven town councilors face recall. They belonged to candidates Kenny Blow and Israel Collins, and the “No Recalls” campaign effort.
Police Lt. Tim DeLuca said the signs were put up by residents between 6 and 9 p.m. Saturday. One of those residents soon noticed that signs were missing.
“As they drove around town, they noticed many of the signs were stolen and, in fact, that there were very few remaining,” DeLuca said.
Police were notified of the missing signs Sunday morning, DeLuca said.
Town Councilor Laura Bolduc, who is facing recall, said in a news release that a $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of anyone who took the signs. Bolduc said she, Blow and Collins were the residents who put up the signs.
“It is a sad day for OOB politics that this has occurred and within two hours of the signs being put up,” Bolduc said.
Bolduc said the signs are valued at $750. Blow offered $500 for the reward, which was then matched by former Town Councilor Michael Tousignant.
Tousignant is seeking to replace Councilor Robin Dayton if she is recalled in June.
Blow is running to replace Councilor Michael Coleman, and Collins wants to replace Councilor Robert Quinn if the two councilors are recalled.
Dayton, Quinn and Coleman are the town councilors who voted against terminating the contract of Town Manager Mark Pearson in March. Pearson is suing the town to get his job back.
Bolduc, Chairwoman Sharri MacDonald, Councilor Dana Furtado and Councilor Linda Mailhot — all of whom voted to oust Pearson — also face recall June 11.
DeLuca said police will consult with the York County District Attorney’s Office about appropriate charges when someone is caught.
Anyone with information about the signs is asked to call Old Orchard Beach police at 934-4911.
Gillian Graham can be contacted at 791-6315 or at:
ggraham@pressherald.com
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