Save Saugus reports signs stolen from yards

SAUGUS – Save Saugus PAC Chairman Mark Mitchell said approximately 80 Save Saugus signs were stolen from private residences early Sunday morning.”We never thought anyone would trespass on someone’s property,” said Mitchell. “Obviously, someone against the recall is willing to trespass and steal.”The thefts come one week after Mitchell and resident Jeff Cicolini delivered 21,600 signatures to Town Hall calling for a recall election against four selectmen. The recall effort is in response to the board’s 4-1 vote to terminate former Town Manager Scott Crabtree last month. Selectman Debra Panetta cast the lone vote in favor of Crabtree and will not be included in the recall.Mitchell said that 250 signs had been put up at various residences since Oct. 10 at a cost of $5 per sign. Going forward, Mitchell has asked his workers to “proceed with caution” as he claimed they have been berated on numerous occasions by Board of Selectmen supporters.Mitchell said a security camera recorded someone taking a sign from a private residence at 12:51 a.m. on Sunday, but declined to disclose the location.Saugus Police Lt. Ronald Giorgetti estimated that the signs were stolen between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. Sunday. According to police, 12 residents have reported signs being taken from their yards.The affected areas, according to police, include Bristow Street, Jackson Street, Guild Road and Pleasant Street.Giorgetti said taking a sign from a private residence is a misdemeanor as the value of each sign is below $250.”In order for it to be a felony, the department would need probable cause that one individual stole all of the signs with a value exceeding $250,” said Giorgetti. “At this time, the department has no witnesses or video to assist in identifying the individual or individuals involved.”Giorgetti said that taking the signs “could be a violation” of another state law which states that it is unlawful to take “printed matter intended to influence the action of a voter.”Anyone with additional information is asked to call police at 781-231-4037.