The Westport Police Department announced today that it has received complaints about the disappearance, removal, and/or theft of political signs in the buildup to Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“Residents and visitors are advised against taking it upon themselves to remove signs that do not belong to them, from either public or private property,” the announcement said. “The enforcement of the town’s rules is the responsibility of the town of Westport, not that of private citizens.”
Lt. Anthony Prezioso said the unauthorized removal may constitute theft.
“Entering onto private property to remove signs may also constitute trespassing,” Prezioso said. “Both of these acts can ultimately result in arrest.”
According to the announcement temporary signs for political purposes are considered expressions of free speech and are allowed on public property. Westport’s guidelines for all temporary signs on town property apply to political signs.
“No sign may be placed on any school property without the prior permission of the Superintendent’s Office,” the guidelines say.
They also prohibit signs within the interior of Compo Beach or Longshore Club Park, as well as Town Hall property, and no sign may be placed on trees or utility poles, nor interfere with traffic visibility.
Signs placed on private property must have property-owner approval, the announcement said, and may not extend beyond the property line or into the town right-of-way. It is also suggested that they be removed within two days after the publicized event or election.
The town also urges against placing signs on state property for which the town is not responsible. This includes rights of way and islands along Routes 1, 136, 57, and 33, as well as the Sherwood Island Connector and I-95 entrance and exit ramps. Simply put, the town said, the state may remove them.
