SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Political theft unraveled by a little technology. Last weekend, someone stole dozens of political signs from Springfield’s Rountree neighborhood, and it was Apple’s AirTags that led to their discovery.
“Take a video of this. This is where they all belong,” John Cardoza said.
Several political signs stolen from Springfield were found several miles away in Nixa.
“Saturday morning, we noticed that the political sign had been taken away, and because there was an Apple tracking device inside the sign, we were able to see where it had been taken,” Cardoza said in the video. spoke.
RELATED: Springfield neighborhood shakes as vandals destroy property, decorations. steal political signs
In the video, Cardoza and Laura McCaskill confront the teenage robbers. This is the fourth time someone has stolen John and Laura’s political campaign signs.
They initially followed a Harris/Waltz sign to a restaurant in Springfield, but that path eventually led them to Nixa.
“One of the items contained an Apple tracker and was traced to the trunk of the car.”
“It was unbelievable. I mean, it was obvious it wasn’t a dress…it was a twosie.”
“Do you know how many people are here?” Cardoza asked. The thieves then replied, “About 60 people, right?”
Stealing election signs is a misdemeanor. If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both.
RELATED: Some Springfield voters were upset over political signs stolen from their yards
Cardoza tells KY3. “It’s about $25 apiece. So it’s not a lot of money, but it’s an inconvenience and, again, it stifles our ability to get our voices forward.”
If your sign is stolen, Nixa leaders say you can contact the Nixa Police Department. Upon arrival, the owner must bring specific proof that the number or sign claimed is his/her.
To report corrections or typos, please email us digitalnews@ky3.com. Please enter the article information in the subject of your email.
Copyright 2024 KY3. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
