Cold Lake RCMP seeks public’s assistance in identifying suspects in electoral sign theft

On Sept. 15, 2025, Cold Lake RCMP received a report regarding the theft of several electoral candidacy signs throughout the city. Surveillance footage shows that at approximately 1:53 a.m., an unknown person exited a white Toyota RAV4 and removed Raymond Cowell election signs from residential properties in Cold Lake North.

Election sign laws in Alberta

Tampering with election signs is against the law. Under the Canada Elections Act and the Alberta Local Authorities Election Act, it is an offence to steal, damage, deface, or remove an election sign that has been legally placed. Offenders may face fines or criminal charges.

Election signs must also follow placement rules:

• Signs cannot block driver visibility or be placed in a way that creates safety hazards.

• They are prohibited on government property such as highways, road rights-of-way, or utility poles unless permission has been granted.

• Signs are permitted on private property only with the owner’s consent.

How to help

Anyone with information or footage in connection to the thefts is asked to contact the Cold Lake RCMP at 780-594-3301. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com, or through the P3 Tips app.

To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. For non-emergency matters in any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction, call 310-RCMP (7267).