COBOURG (February 19, 2025) – With an election underway, Cobourg Police Service reminds the public that removing, damaging or vandalizing election signs is a criminal offence.
Any act of mischief or theft committed in relation to election signs is a criminal offence. People found committing such offences can face charges under the Criminal Code. The Canada Elections Act also prohibits people from interfering with the transmission of election advertising messages without proper authority.
In most cases, election signs are posted on private property. Any person entering onto private property to attempt to commit an illegal act in relation to election signs is also guilty of trespassing and could be charged under the Trespass to Property Act.
A reminder that tampering with election signs could result in criminal charges. If residents find that an election sign has been placed on their property without their permission, they should immediately contact the candidate’s office to have it removed.
If you see anyone tampering with election signs, please report to police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by phone by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or online by visiting stopcrimehere.ca.