POINT PLEASANT, NJ — A Manasquan man has been charged with theft after he took a number of political signs off of properties in Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant police said Friday.
Gregory Hall, 67, was arrested at Point Pleasant police headquarters on Sept. 25, the department said in a post on Facebook on Friday.
Hall was charged with two counts of theft and was released on a summons pending a future court appearance, the police department said.
The police department did not specify whose signs were stolen, but said the removal of the signs was reported on Sept. 8.
Megan Jedry, who is running for the Borough Council in Point Pleasant, said Mayor Robert Sabosik brought the issue up at the Sept. 21 council meeting, and had said about 30 of his campaign signs had been stolen.
The actions were captured on video by resident Randi Zupko.
"As we enter the election season, the Point Pleasant Borough Police Department reminds residents and visitors that political disagreements should never result in criminal activity or inappropriate conduct," the police department said. "Everyone is free to support the candidates and causes of their choosing and to lawfully express those views."
"Taking, damaging, destroying, or otherwise interfering with another person's property is not an acceptable form of political expression," the police department said. "Such conduct may constitute a criminal offense and will be investigated accordingly."
"The Point Pleasant Borough Police Department encourages everyone to respect the property and viewpoints of others and to express political opinions in a lawful and respectful manner," the department said.
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