Labor feels the political pinch

By Kath Gannaway
THE theft of ALP election signs during the past week has infuriated Healesville branch president Trevor Mays.
Mr Mays said the removal of the first signs just hours after they were erected on Sunday 14 October signalled a repeat of the state election thefts where more than 40 signs were removed around Healesville.
“We were hoping we weren’t going to have that same sort of campaign but after having four signs taken within the first hours, we’ve lost another two in the last couple of days.
“It’s time consuming, costly and it’s undemocratic,” Mr Mays told the Mail on Wednesday last week.
By Thursday afternoon, another two signs were gone with thefts in Healesville and Yarra Glen.
While Australian Electoral Commission spokesman Nick Toce told the Mail the removal of the signs is not an offence under the AEC regulations, police have confirmed it is theft of property and offenders could find themselves in court facing multiple charges.
Anyone who sees people removing the signs is asked to get vehicle registration details and contact Healesville Police on 5962 4422, or ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.