Signs Being Removed By Fake Group 'The Committee': Westport PD

WESTPORT, CT — A group calling itself "The Committee" appears to have begun a campaign of removing yard signs throughout Westport, and it recently threatened to take down a sign at a local nonprofit, according to Westport police.

In recent weeks, police have received "numerous claims of missing lawn signs" by local nonprofits, even though some of these signs were displayed on private property or were authorized to be placed on public property.

"A group calling itself 'The Committee' has written to at least one local nonprofit
organization stating that if they fail to remove lawn signs, 'The Committee' will take down their
signs 'at first sight,'" said Westport police. "The individual or individuals behind 'The Committee’ have not identified themselves, however this incident has been officially been reported to police and is under investigation."

The department warns residents not to take it upon themselves to remove signs "that do not belong to them, from either public or private property, because the enforcement of the town's rules is the responsibility of the Town of Westport, not private citizens.

"The removal of signs from public or private property by someone not authorized to do so by the town, or by the owner of the sign, may constitute theft," officials said. "Entering onto private property to remove signs may constitute trespassing. Both of these acts can result in arrest."

Anyone with information about the recent rash of missing signs is urged to contact the Westport
Police Department at 203-341-6000. Charities that have had signs removed from authorized
public or private locations are also encouraged to file a formal police report.

Additionally, nonprofits are "reminded that signs advertising charitable events must be reviewed and approved by the town before the signs can be placed on town property or in the town right-of-way."

An electronic copy of the Temporary Sign Request form is available on the town’s website.

"Paper copies of this document can also be obtained in person from the First Selectman's Office," police said. "For each event, only a total of fifteen signs are allowed on town property and in the town right-of-way. These signs cannot be placed out more than two weeks before the event, and they must be removed within two days after the event in order to be in compliance with town regulations."