Mark Colombo, one of Sunset Hills’ Ward 4 Aldermen and a candidate in the April 7 election for the seat, noticed an unfortunate trend this election season: stolen candidate yard signs. Specifically, stolen candidate yard signs in support of him.

“It’s just a little bit annoying and discouraging to see. You keep putting these things out and they just kind of wander off on their own. They’re not blowing over or anything, they’re gone,” Colombo said. “We’ve had these strong windstorms — that’s why I know it’s not the wind, because others have blown over, laying down, you find them right there. These are literally physically gone. They have been taken hostage.”

The missing signs were originally placed along West Watson Road near Rott Road. Per Colombo, signs have been stolen from the same spot on two separate occasions this campaign period: the first occurrence about four weeks ago, the second on April 1 or April 2. Approximately eight signs in total have been removed.

“These actions aren’t unusual in any political campaign, you know, people will do these types of things, but I’ve never had anybody do it to me before. I don’t like it,” Colombo said. “Somebody’s obviously advocating for my opponent. I’m certain it’s not my opponent doing it. Either they don’t like me personally or my policies or my positions or they’re just thinking they’re helping somebody when they’re not at all.”

According to Sunset Hills City Administrator Brittany Gillett, the city is unaware of any other instances of missing signs during this election cycle. In past elections, Sunset Hills has received occasional complaints of stolen signs, though such reports have been infrequent.