BROWN COUNTY (NBC 26) -- Both the Republican and Democratic parties of Brown County say they have had issues with people having their political yard signs either stolen or vandalized.
The Democratic Party claim at least five people have requested new yard signs in the last week because others have gone missing or have been damaged.
The Republican Party say three people came in on Wednesday asking for new signs for similar reasons.
"I have lived here for 10 plus years have always displayed signs," said Linda Patske from Pulaski. "I have never had an issue until this and now two of my Biden signs are gone."
The Green Bay Police Department says this is a common to happen on big election years.
"It was similar to four years ago and now these cases are re-surfacing," said Kevin Warych with Green Bay PD.
He acknowledged the increased political tensions between the two parties could be fueling the crimes. He says they treat political sign theft like they would any other type of theft.
"We would focus on determining if there is a pattern, and hopefully finding the person who commits these crimes," he said.
He says people should contact police if they think they are a victim of a crime.
As the political season ramps up. Warych asks the public to be respectful of each other - even if they have different political alliances.
"We have a great community," he said. "Just because someone's views are different doesn't make them bad. We ask people go about this in a civil manner."
