Political and BLM signs burned in our yard last night--UPDATE in 1st post

[Acadie 2,432]

We've lived here for 18 years and have always put up political signs. Nothing has ever been stolen or defaced, much less burned. Other neighbors had political signs stolen last night too, but none were burned. I'm wondering if our BLM sign was the target. 

Police report filed, only one neighbor has a security cam and it didn't capture anything. I'm going to call the fire marshal too because the signs were burned 8 or 9 feet from our house, near dry leaves that could have caught fire.

On the plus side, many people have reached out with care and concern, offers for free new signs, updates on what's happening in other neighborhoods around the city, and to connect us with a community group gathering information on political and BLM sign crimes to make sure burned BLM signs are treated as hate crimes. 

Our signs are going back up. My heart is only more resolute, and more connected with people of good will keeping our families and communities together. 

UPDATE: Police said 10 residents in my area reported stolen political signs the same night (nothing else burned though). Then last night they caught two people stealing signs on the other side of town, so they came back this morning to take more pictures of our yard and a detective is supposed to call. Not certain it's all connected but I do feel safer. We had new political signs up last night with no issues. BLM sign on the way.

Edited October 8, 2020 by Acadie

[NewIma 769]

That is absolutely terrifying. I am so sorry and holding you all in my thoughts.

[Quill 59,899]

Gosh, I am sorry! That would frighten me for sure. If I could, I would get Ring or something like that to possibly help with surveillance. (I don’t think we can actually get Ring here because of lack of always-available broadband internet. But if you can, I would consider it for sure.) 

[Innisfree 7,339]

I'm so sorry, that's appalling. Huge hugs. Can you get a security camera?

[Spryte 17,227]

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry.  That’s frightening!  You must feel so violated.  
 

And burning feels like a more ominous message than stealing the signs.  😨

I’m happy to hear your signs will go back up!  

 

Can you get a security camera?

 

FWIW, we have basic Nest outdoor cameras.  We keep meaning to replace the one in the front with the higher resolution model, so that we can see details, should they be needed.  The ones we have would not read a license plate, or see details of a face. So, if you are putting them up to deter crimes in your yard, you might consider springing for the higher resolution camera from the start.

[hippiemamato3 1,605]

I second the Nest cameras, and I'm so sorry this happened to you!

[wintermom 19,220]

That is horrible. Great job for taking this very seriously and reporting. 

[mommyoffive 6,747]

Wow, how terrifying.   Good job reporting it and put the signs back up.  

I you can get a security camera that would be something I would do.

[Garga 26,336]

Ay yi yi. Stealing signs is one thing, but burning?  Ay yi yi.

[MEmama 11,964]

Horrifying and violating for sure.
The hatred in this country is out of control.

Good for you for putting them out again. I’m shaking mad on your behalf. 

[desertflower 635]

oh man.  I am so sorry to hear that.  Glad you guys are safe.  This is getting out of control.  I never realized how much hate is out there. 

I like your quote MEmama.

[MercyA 19,508]

&*$%*#. 😠

I'm so sorry that happened to you. Wish we could have a rotating posse of Hivers in your front yard. 🐝

 

[Pen 26,861]

Scary, scary.  

 

I too think trying for security camera would be good idea. 

 

But would fire issue be helped by security camera? 

 

Some sort of battery operated heat/smoke alarm? 

 

 

[Acadie 2,432]

38 minutes ago, Quill said:

Gosh, I am sorry! That would frighten me for sure. If I could, I would get Ring or something like that to possibly help with surveillance. (I don’t think we can actually get Ring here because of lack of always-available broadband internet. But if you can, I would consider it for sure.) 

 

28 minutes ago, Spryte said:

FWIW, we have basic Nest outdoor cameras.  We keep meaning to replace the one in the front with the higher resolution model, so that we can see details, should they be needed.  The ones we have would not read a license plate, or see details of a face. So, if you are putting them up to deter crimes in your yard, you might consider springing for the higher resolution camera from the start.

 

25 minutes ago, hippiemamato3 said:

I second the Nest cameras, and I'm so sorry this happened to you!

 

Thank you for suggestions on security cameras--this will help as we look into options.

[Junie 49,640]

I am so sorry. 😞

[Not_a_Number 9,305]

How scary. I’m so sorry that happened.

[skimomma 2,821]

That is terrifying.  The haters have always been there but are now emboldened.  A car/truck parade "rally" in support of Trump happened last weekend.  It weaved through severals small communities, including mine.  The video footage that people have been posting has shown the flying of confederate flags, monkeys hanging from nooses, and passengers screaming, "Go away N-words" out the windows.  Until recently, this would have completely shocked me.  That next morning there were numerous reports of stolen and burned Biden and BLM signs.  I have friends who are afraid to replace their signs.

[Quill 59,899]

3 minutes ago, skimomma said:

That is terrifying.  The haters have always been there but are now emboldened.  A car/truck parade "rally" in support of Trump happened last weekend.  It weaved through severals small communities, including mine.  The video footage that people have been posting has shown the flying of confederate flags, monkeys hanging from nooses, and passengers screaming, "Go away N-words" out the windows.  Until recently, this would have completely shocked me.  That next morning there were numerous reports of stolen and burned Biden and BLM signs.  I have friends who are afraid to replace their signs.

That is devastating. That we could have this happening right now hurts my heart. 

[happysmileylady 29,008]

That's awful.  

I don't care what side of what issue a person supports....setting stuff on fire like that is wrong.

So glad it didn't end up so much worse for you!!!

[purpleowl 3,924]

I'm so sorry that happened - how awful. Glad you guys are safe. 

[rebcoola 3,102]

I'm so sorry that happened to you.

[NewIma 769]

Acadie and skimomma, you don't love near each other do you? BLM signs being burned if multiple locations is even scarier, if that is even possible.

[Terabith 16,177]

I'm embarrassed to admit that we're afraid to put signs in our yard.  

[skimomma 2,821]

7 minutes ago, NewIma said:

Acadie and skimomma, you don't love near each other do you? BLM signs being burned if multiple locations is even scarier, if that is even possible.

I am guessing we do not.  But in my local case the signs were stolen and then burned in a pile in a public area.  Not in people's yards. While certainly no good, not nearly as scary as in Acadie's situation.

[historically accurate 7,262]

11 minutes ago, Terabith said:

I'm embarrassed to admit that we're afraid to put signs in our yard.  

Me too. I refused to let DH put signs in our yard because we have teen girls who are always outside in our neighborhood. I didn't want to put them in a scary, dangerous situation. 

Edited October 7, 2020 by historically accurate

[TravelingChris 10,826]

We don't put signs up either. 

[Guest]

18 minutes ago, Terabith said:

I'm embarrassed to admit that we're afraid to put signs in our yard.  

I am, too. 

[Catwoman 74,049]

Wow, that is both creepy and terrifying! I’m so sorry that happened to you! 

[Not_a_Number 9,305]

1 hour ago, skimomma said:

That is terrifying.  The haters have always been there but are now emboldened.  A car/truck parade "rally" in support of Trump happened last weekend.  It weaved through severals small communities, including mine.  The video footage that people have been posting has shown the flying of confederate flags, monkeys hanging from nooses, and passengers screaming, "Go away N-words" out the windows.  Until recently, this would have completely shocked me.  That next morning there were numerous reports of stolen and burned Biden and BLM signs.  I have friends who are afraid to replace their signs.

We used to live in Texas and are now in NY. I’m currently very glad we’re no longer in Texas. (We were in Austin, but still.)

[Just Kate 2,153]

I am horrified for you. What a scary thing to have happen!!

[kand 10,122]

1 hour ago, happysmileylady said:

That's awful.  

I don't care what side of what issue a person supports....setting stuff on fire like that is wrong.

So glad it didn't end up so much worse for you!!!

I agree it’s all bad and dangerous and wrong, but the burning of the BLM sign is particularly scary and sinister. It would be like if someone had a religious symbol of some kind displayed in their yard somewhere and someone lit it on fire. It feels personally threatening, rather than just political. 

[Not_a_Number 9,305]

1 minute ago, kand said:

I agree it’s all bad and dangerous and wrong, but the burning of the BLM sign is particularly scary and sinister. It would be like if someone had a religious symbol of some kind displayed in their yard somewhere and someone lit it on fire. It feels personally threatening, rather than just political. 

I’m sure it goes with the current line about ALL BLM protesters being violent. Of course, people tell stories like this before they engage in religious prosecution, too.

[happysmileylady 29,008]

3 minutes ago, kand said:

I agree it’s all bad and dangerous and wrong, but the burning of the BLM sign is particularly scary and sinister. It would be like if someone had a religious symbol of some kind displayed in their yard somewhere and someone lit it on fire. It feels personally threatening, rather than just political. 

Yes, fire is always scary and dangerous and personally threatening.  Given how close political signs tend to be to homes, they are very lucky the entire house didn't go up.  

[ktgrok 74,552]

I'm so sorry! I posted on facebook about MAYBE getting one of those flags that says "in this house....black lives matter, science is real, no human is illegal...etc etc" and had a drunken neighbor start ranting at me, posting crazy stuff. So..yeah, not actually putting political signs up. But my husband did put this up - maybe it will make you smile 🙂

 

[happysmileylady 29,008]

4 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

I'm so sorry! I posted on facebook about MAYBE getting one of those flags that says "in this house....black lives matter, science is real, no human is illegal...etc etc" and had a drunken neighbor start ranting at me, posting crazy stuff. So..yeah, not actually putting political signs up. But my husband did put this up - maybe it will make you smile 🙂

 

Your goose needs a fall outfit.  Or maybe giant sticker that says "I voted" lol

[Moonhawk 6,836]

2 minutes ago, happysmileylady said:

Your goose needs a fall outfit.  Or maybe giant sticker that says "I voted" lol

Oh! Or dressed as Uncle Sam! With a  little hat and beard! 

The giraffe in my parent's neighborhood is wearing a mask, which is another option.

[SKL 58,059]

I'm sorry to hear this.  All Americans should be proud of our democratic process and the freedom to agree and disagree.  😞

[Pawz4me 38,242]

1 hour ago, Terabith said:

I'm embarrassed to admit that we're afraid to put signs in our yard.  

Me, too.

[*Jessica* 676]

1 hour ago, Terabith said:

I'm embarrassed to admit that we're afraid to put signs in our yard.  

Us, too.  
 

Then this morning my 9yo wanted to make a sign for our yard.  If anyone messes with it she will be very angry.  
 

[happysmileylady 29,008]

39 minutes ago, Moonhawk said:

Oh! Or dressed as Uncle Sam! With a  little hat and beard! 

The giraffe in my parent's neighborhood is wearing a mask, which is another option.

Oh Oh oh

Uncle Sam, *with* a mask, and a little cardboard sign that says "I want YOU......to wear a mask."

That would be so hilariously cute!

[MEmama 11,964]

6 minutes ago, *Jessica* said:

Us, too.  
 

Then this morning my 9yo wanted to make a sign for our yard.  If anyone messes with it she will be very angry.  
 

That is pure awesomeness. Way to go, *Jessica*'s kiddo! 🙂 

[prairiewindmomma 32,322]

I am horrified and saddened for/with you.

I'm so glad your home and family is safe.

I've had friends report sign stealing and hate notes being delivered....but no burning.  

[PrairieSong 4,750]

How awful! So, they complain that BLM is violent and try to show their opposition by..an act of violence? 

[Ditto 675]

That is both incredibly disheartening but also terrifying.   We don't put signs up in our yard because I am just too afraid to.  But I really admire the people who have the courage to do it.

[Dynamite5 478]

How awful. I'm very thankful your house did not catch fire. 

[elegantlion 21,419]

My son considered putting a BLM sign in the yard, but was also concerned about theft or vandalism. 

It's despicable. 

[Acadie 2,432]

4 hours ago, skimomma said:

The video footage that people have been posting has shown the flying of confederate flags, monkeys hanging from nooses, and passengers screaming, "Go away N-words" out the windows.  Until recently, this would have completely shocked me.  That next morning there were numerous reports of stolen and burned Biden and BLM signs.  I have friends who are afraid to replace their signs.

 

2 hours ago, kand said:

I agree it’s all bad and dangerous and wrong, but the burning of the BLM sign is particularly scary and sinister. It would be like if someone had a religious symbol of some kind displayed in their yard somewhere and someone lit it on fire. It feels personally threatening, rather than just political. 

Agreed, politics is signs and slogans and ad campaigns and rallies.

But burning BLM signs and what skimomma describes above fall under the category of racial terror, which is a different beast. I first heard that term from a writer friend from Mississippi a few years ago, and I remember how much it struck me. No lack of examples in 2020, unfortunately.

[happysmileylady 29,008]

When I was 15, I was on the phone with my boyfriend at the time, and both my parents were at work.  I was wandering around the kitchen and noticed strange reflections and shadows on the back deck.  It was like 8 in the evening or something like that.  It took a good 5 minutes to figure out that the outside electrical socket, the one that the pool filter was plugged into, was on fire.  

For whatever bizarre reason, told my boyfriend to hold on, then put the phone down, and THEN went to tell all my siblings to get out.  Ran to the stairs, "there's a fire, GO!" and then ran to by brother in a back bedroom and said the same thing.  THEN....I went back to the phone, told my boyfriend the house was on fire and hung up.  By the time I was leaving my house, my siblings had already made it next door, the mom there was calling 911 (before cell phones) and the dad was running BACK into our house with a fire extinguisher.  He did have the fire out before the fire department arrived, even though they "scolded" him for doing what he did.  (had he not, literally, the house could have burned down.)

Then, a few years later, I was driving DD around, and smelled smoke.  I looked in the rear view and their were flames in the window above her head.  Managed to get pulled over (after passing multiple turns.......srsly, people do WEIRD things when fire is involved) and get her out.  At this point I had a cell phone and called my parents before calling 911.  Again...people do weird things.  By the time I had called 911, a group of folks from a go kart track that I had passed (with smoke billowing behind me) had piled into the most available pick up there in the lot and drove down to find me.  They had fire extinguishers from the track (it was a racing track) and again, had the fire out before the fire department arrived, though the car and everything in it were still a total loss.

Fire is scary as hell, regardless of the reason for the fire or the motivation of those who set it.  The fact that the OP didn't lose her home and every one was safe is an incredibly fortunate thing.  

[kand 10,122]

36 minutes ago, happysmileylady said:

Fire is scary as hell, regardless of the reason for the fire or the motivation of those who set it.  The fact that the OP didn't lose her home and every one was safe is an incredibly fortunate thing. 

Absolutely. We have had some very scary close calls with fire in our family, and worse than that in extended family. I think a few of us are trying to make the distinction that it’s not just the fire, though. The targeting of a BLM sign definitely brings something different to it. Just like if your house catches on fire by accident feels different than having it set on fire by an arsonist who leaves a threatening note on the sidewalk. All fire is scary, but one of those situations is sinister in a way the other isn’t. 
 

On the topic of BLM yard signs, this is the one I really like:

https://i.etsystatic.com/23668015/r/il/2cb4be/2357418830/il_1588xN.2357418830_g6ik.jpg

[ktgrok 74,552]

4 hours ago, happysmileylady said:

Your goose needs a fall outfit.  Or maybe giant sticker that says "I voted" lol

I have one - need to dig it out - I think it's a scarecrow. I forget, lol. 

4 hours ago, Moonhawk said:

Oh! Or dressed as Uncle Sam! With a  little hat and beard! 

The giraffe in my parent's neighborhood is wearing a mask, which is another option.

I have a patriotic one - and he was wearing a mask before we took off the summer outfit 🙂