NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE
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The Timmins Police Service finds it necessary to issue a public advisory in regards to intentional acts of damage, theft, or tampering with any election signs that are on public display during the election.
Such actions will be investigated as a criminal matter as either an act of theft or mischief. Penalties for such action range from fines, periods of probation, or custodial sentences.
Additionally, the Canada Elections Act also prohibits people from interfering with the transmission of election advertising messages without proper authority.
In most cases, such signage is posted on private property, so depending on the circumstances, there is an additional potential for Trespass to Property Act charges to apply.
Any persons found committing such offences will be appropriately dealt with by police.
The right of persons vying for public office to advertise publicly forms part of the democratic process.
Anyone with information about persons tampering, damaging, or stealing any election signs is encouraged to report the matter to the Timmins Police at 705-264-1201, or to call in their information to the Crime Stoppers tip line of 1-800-222-8477 or online.
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