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Home > Property Crimes > Theft > Deputies investigate theft of dozens of campaign signs

Deputies investigate theft of dozens of campaign signs

It appears Ada County may have a non-partisan political sign stealer in Districts 15 and 16. Idaho House candidates Steve Berch and James Silsby report having numerous signs grabbed up Nov. 3, 4, and 5.

Berch, a Democrat, lost to Republican Lynn Luker in District 15.  Silsby, a Republican, lost to Democrat Hy Kloc in District 16.

Both men checked with the Ada County Highway District and Idaho Transportation Department but employees with each agency said they did not take the signs. The candidates also checked with local plastic recycling companies, but no one brought the signs there either.

Both men are now out hundreds of dollars worth of signage.

Berch posted campaign signs along major roads in District 15, including Fairview Avenue, Five Mile Road, Milwaukee Street, and Franklin Road.

Someone took dozens of the plastic signs the night of Nov. 4 but left the metal stakes behind. Berch wasn’t sure how many of the signs were missing but estimated the cost was in excess of $500.

Silsby said he had over 100 signs taken from Nov. 3 to 5. District 16 covers much of northwest Boise and Garden City, including large portions of Chinden Boulevard, State Street, and Glenwood Street, and Veterans Memorial Parkway. Silsby also says he is out over $500 for the cost of those signs.

Candidates must remove political signs from the public right-of-way 48 hours after the election is over. All the signs in question were taken before that time was up.

Anyone with information should call Ada County dispatch at 377-6790.