Police have received 14 reports of mischief or theft of election signs to date

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) said it has received 14 reports involving mischief or thefts of municipal election signs across the city since Sept. 9. 

One candidate in Stittsville, Mathew Duchesne, told CityNews Ottawa that he has had roughly two dozen signs that have been destroyed, vandalized or stolen all together along with wood pegs.  

The OPS is reminding people across the city that the municipal election process should be fully respected and that criminal harassment of candidates, election sign damage and hate-based crimes will not be tolerated.

“We ask that incidents of assaults, verbal harassment, threats to candidates and sign destruction be reported to police, particularly if they are suspected or deemed to be hate-motivated,” said interim chief Steve Bell. “Police will investigate these incidents and, where warranted, charges can be laid.”

Interfering with or damaging election signs is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. People can be charged for destroying or causing damage to signs. Charges can include mischief to property.

If you see anyone tampering with municipal election signs, please call the OPS at 613-236-1222.