Police: Don't deface political signs

SANDUSKY — Even if you detest the candidate a neighbor or community member backs, don't deface other people's visuals supporting someone running for office. Among the many reasons to follow this guideline: It's illegal, and local law enforcement is now actively seeking out said offenders. This past week, and as the Nov. 3 election nears, Sandusky police Chief John Orzech issued an edict on unlawfully removing, damaging and/or vandalizing political signs. His announcement resulted from at least three reported Sandusky-based incidents of unknown parties ruining political signs in recent days. "Each campaign season, we have or are aware of reports of signs being taken or damaged, whether it's the presidential cycle or off-year elections," Orzech said. "I'm aware of these incidents happening throughout the country. It's not just a local issue." Orzech then outlined the possible penalties a person could face if caught committing this crime: • Trespassing: "A conviction of criminal trespass in Ohio is generally punishable as a fourth-degree misdemeanor. A fourth-degree misdemeanor comes with the statutory maximum punishments of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine." • Theft: "Theft is a misdemeanor of the first degree in Ohio when the value of property or services stolen is less than $1,000. The punishment for a misdemeanor of the first degree in Ohio is a term of imprisonment of not more than 180 days, a fine of not more than $1,000 or both." • Criminal damaging: "Criminal damaging is a misdemeanor of the second degree in Ohio. The punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a maximum $750 fine. These charges typically differ from first-degree misdemeanors in that they typically involve crimes against property, such as shoplifting, theft or vandalism."