WALLACE — Numerous political campaign signs have reportedly gone missing in recent weeks, and Shoshone County Sheriff Shawn Wehr and Shoshone County Clerk Lori Osterberg are urging residents to respect others' property as the Nov. 3 election approaches. 

Campaign signs are personal property, and the unauthorized removal of signs from private property or lawful public locations may constitute theft under Idaho law. 

Reports of stolen signs have come through the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office and from private residents on social media. The incidents have involved candidates and issues on both sides of the political spectrum. 

On Oct. 23, misdemeanor petit theft charges were filed against resident Eve Heart, who was caught on camera stealing a sign from a public right-of-way. 

"We want to make it clear that we take these incidents seriously," Sheriff Wehr said in a release posted on the department's Facebook page. "Regardless of your political beliefs or who you support, stealing or damaging someone else's property is unacceptable and will not be tolerated." 

Osterberg, whose office oversees elections in the county, said she was discouraged by the numerous reports of sign theft but emphasized that such incidents should be reported to the sheriff's office, not the elections office. 

"I can't take your report to the sheriff's office for you," she said. 

Many social media reports have included claims that the thefts were captured on doorbell or other security cameras, with some residents offering perpetrators an opportunity to return the signs before involving law enforcement. 

Wehr said he could not specifically recall how many reports his office had received. He acknowledged that several candidates and initiatives have generated strong opinions, but said that does not excuse the behavior. 

"There is a ballot measure many people feel strongly about," he said. "I really want to emphasize that ultimately we are all family, friends and neighbors here in Shoshone County and we have the right to disagree with each other, but we should all be above disrespecting others because of those disagreements." 

Osterberg echoed that sentiment, saying voters have one appropriate place to express strong opinions about a candidate or issue. 

"These are the people we see at the grocery store, that we sit in the bleachers with, we should be above disrespecting one another like this," she added. "If you want your voice to be heard, do it at the ballot box." 

In Idaho, petit theft carries a potential penalty of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. 

Osterberg also encouraged candidates and political committees to remove their campaign signs as soon as possible after Tuesday's election.