More than a dozen campaign yard signs have been stolen and vandalized in Fort Myers. NBC2 found two large campaign signs off of State Road 82 and Colonial Boulevard just one week after campaign members reinstalled them.
"I’ve had the big road signs, the 4x4 signs getting vandalized taken down twice already and some of my little yard signs have been stolen," said Diana Giraldo, who is running for Ward 2 in Fort Myers.
Giraldo doesn't know who is taking her campaign signs, she had permission to put them up.
"If people are doing this and they’re not aware of it, it's a big deal, and the other part of it is that I want people to be aware that in politics this should never take place," she added.
"It’s tragic that these extremes have gotten down to our level and it’s not a unique occurrence, but it does happen," Liston Bochette said.
Councilman Liston Bochette says that dozens of his signs in supporters' yards on McGregor Boulevard were also removed.
"It's a bit of a shock to think people will try and silence your voice," he said.
Fort Myers Police say two home surveillance cameras on McGregor caught the thief. Both candidates say they're going to keep moving forward and not let a situation like this slow them down.
"When you get an act like this, I say you’re not going to beat me," said Bochette. "We will just get back out we will be bigger and better than ever to serve our community."
"To me the most important thing is the signs are going to go back up," Giraldo said. "The most important thing is to bring awareness to people that this is a federal crime and is punishable by the law."
The Fort Myers Police Department wants to remind people that it's a crime to steal campaign signs per FSS 812.014. There could also be penalties for trespassing and vandalism. Campaign signs are not to be placed on any state, county, or city right of way.
Signs may be placed on private property with the permission of the owner.
If you have any information regarding the stolen or vandalized campaign signs, contact the Fort Myers Police non-emergency number.