Town of Cobourg and Cobourg Police Service Reminds the Community Not to Tamper with Election Signs

Cobourg, ON (September 16, 2026) – During this election period, the Town of Cobourg and Cobourg Police Service (CPS) would like to remind residents that stealing or damaging election signs could result in criminal charges.

As many residents have noticed, there are election signs that have been placed on lawns and private property, right across the Municipality.

With a municipal election now underway, we are reminding citizens that removing, damaging or vandalizing election signs is a criminal offence. People found committing such offences can face charges under the Criminal Code of Canada. The Municipal Elections Act also prohibits people from interfering with the transmission of election advertising messages without proper authority.

Election signs are posted on private property. Any person entering onto private property to attempt to commit an illegal act in relation to election signs is also guilty of trespassing and could be charged under the Trespass to Property Act.

If residents find that an election sign has been placed on their property without their permission, they should immediately contact the candidate's office to have it removed. To report concerns about the placement of an election sign, please contact the Municipal Law Enforcement Office through the www.Cobourg.ca/report-it tool (under ‘Bylaw Infraction’) or call 905-372-8380.

If you see anyone tampering with election signs, please contact police at 905-372-6821 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by phone by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or online by visiting stopcrimehere.ca