A $200 Reward has been offered for the apprehension and conviction of a wanted political sign thief.
Over recent days, it is estimated that between 20-40 campaign signs and their stands have been stolen off of lawns in the First Ward in Ocean City. The stolen signs were in support of candidate Terry Crowley. Crowley is the interim First Ward Councilman and the presumed front runner in the election.
Crowley self-funded his campaign. Each set (sign and stand) costed him roughly $10. It is not so much the expense to replace the signs; it is an insult to the integrity of the election.
He committed the time, money, and energy into talking with each and every voter that lives at the properties and got their permission to place the sign on their lawns.
When asked for a comment, Crowley said “I am upset about this because it is a slap in the face to every candidate running for any office. We need to show that this should not be tolerated. It is a personal decision to put a sign on your lawn for a candidate that you support. For someone to trespass on your property and restrict your first amendment rights, it is totally unacceptable, especially in Ocean City, NJ”.
Below is video footage of one of the thefts in progress. Was a sign stolen from your lawn? Do you have an active camera on your property or do you think that your neighbor’s camera caught it?
Note: If the perpetrator turns her/himself in, apologizes and returns the stolen signs – no charges will be pursued.
Either way, the first individual that shares prosecutable evidence leading to the person’s identity will be awarded the $200 reward.
Leads can be forwarded to the campaign via email: elycrowley@comcast.net or call: 609-374-4232.
All leads will be shared with the Ocean City Police Department. An official complaint has been filed.
