TURNERS FALLS — The Montague Police Department is warning anyone who may be stealing lawn signs related to the nonbinding referendum about the Turners Falls High School mascot, that it is more than a prank, it’s a crime.
Police Chief Chip Dodge said he received two reports about stolen signs, one on Fifth Street in Turners Falls and one on Greenfield Road in Montague. Dodge said the people did not want to file police reports about the issue, but he wanted to get the information to the public so if someone is planning to steal more signs, they know it’s a crime.
Dodge said he’d heard anecdotally that other signs had also been taken.
The signs that have been taken have been in support of the referendum and reinstating the school’s former mascot, the Indians.
He added that when someone goes onto another person’s property and takes a sign, they are not only committing larceny, but also trespassing and could face fines and have a criminal record.
“I wanted to get word out there, It’s a very emotional hot topic right now,” he said. “I just want people to be aware that it’s a crime.”
Reach Miranda Davis at 413-772-0261, ext. 280 or mdavis@recorder.com.