Campaign Sign Information

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

As we near the November elections, the Town of Abingdon and the Abingdon Police Department would like to provide information in regards to political signs:

Virginia State Code

 § 33.2-1224. Signs or advertising on rocks, poles, etc., within limits of highway; civil penalty. 
Any person who in any manner (i) paints, prints, places, puts or affixes any sign or advertisement upon or to any rock, stone, tree, fence, stump, pole, mile-board, milestone, danger-sign, guide-sign, guidepost, highway sign, historical marker, building, or other object lawfully within the limits of any highway or (ii) erects, paints, prints, places, puts, or affixes any sign or advertisement within the limits of any highway shall be assessed a civil penalty of $100. Each occurrence shall be subject to a separate penalty. All civil penalties collected under this section shall be paid into the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund. Signs or advertisements placed within the limits of the highway are hereby declared a public and private nuisance and may be forthwith removed, obliterated, or abated by the Commissioner of Highways or his representatives without notice. The Commissioner of Highways may collect the cost of such removal, obliteration, or abatement from the person erecting, painting, printing, placing, putting, affixing or using such sign or advertisement. When no one is observed erecting, painting, printing, placing, putting, or affixing such sign or advertisement, the person, firm or corporation being advertised shall be presumed to have placed the sign or advertisement and shall be punished accordingly. Such presumption, however, shall be rebuttable by competent evidence. In addition, the Commissioner or his representative may seek to enjoin any recurring violator of this section. The Commissioner of Highways may enter into agreements with any local governing body authorizing local law-enforcement agencies or other local governmental entities to act as agents of the Commissioner for the purpose of (i) enforcing the provisions of this section and (ii) collecting the penalties and costs provided for in this section. Any such agreement may provide that penalties and costs collected pursuant to such agreement shall be paid as agreed. 

The Virginia Department of Transportation provides guidance concerning Outdoor Advertising and State Right of Way-

What is “right of way?” State-maintained right of way is property along a roadway on either side. This area does not belong to individual property owners. It must be kept clear for motorist safety and so road crews have room to work.

Where is the right of way located? There is no standard right of way distance for every road. Generally, the right of way ranges from 25 to 150 feet from the road’s center line. Due to this wide range, it’s important to find out exact right-of-way distance before installing a sign or objects near a road.

Can I place a sign along the road? Signs cannot be on or overhanging state right of way. An off-premise advertising sign adjacent to the right of way requires an Outdoor Advertising Permit.

How do I obtain an Outdoor Advertising Permit? Companies, organizations or individuals who want to place outdoor advertising signs adjacent to the right of way should call 804-786-0654 or e-mail outdooradvertisingrenewals@vdot.virginia.gov .

What will happen if I put my sign in the right of way? Section 33.2-1224, Code of Virginia, prohibits signs and advertisements within the limits of the highway. VDOT is authorized to remove any sign that is in violation of state code, especially if it interferes with roadside maintenance or presents a safety hazard to motorists. In addition, the agency can levy a $100 civil penalty for each sign violation. VDOT also works with localities and the Adopt-A-Highway program to enforce this law.

§ 15.2-109. Regulations on political campaign signs.

No locality shall have the authority to prohibit the display of political campaign signs on private property if the signs are in compliance with zoning and right-of-way restrictions applicable to temporary nonpolitical signs, if the signs have been posted with the permission of the owner. The provisions of this section shall supersede the provisions of any local ordinance or regulation in conflict with this section. This section shall have no effect upon the regulations of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Abingdon Town Code Provides the Following Guidance-

Section 21-9. - Temporary signs.

 (b) A "temporary sign" is a sign that is not permanently mounted to a building or into the ground. Signs attached by rope, string, chain, tape, paste, and similar mechanisms; signs not rigidly attached to a supporting structure; signs made of paper, cardboard, cloth, and similar materials; and signs that are pushed, hammered or similarly put into the ground are considered temporary signs.

Examples of temporary signs include, but are not limited to, garage or yard sale signs, political campaign signs, real estate signs, construction signs, menu/daily special signs.

(c) Each temporary sign shall be maintained in good, safe condition, securely affixed to a building or the ground.

(d) Temporary sign area per lot shall not exceed 32 square feet.

(e) Any temporary sign pertaining to an event must be removed within ten days after the event. For example, garage or yard sale signs, political campaign signs, and real estate signs are subject to this provision. For all other temporary signs, a maximum posting period of 14 consecutive calendar days is permitted, up to five times per calendar year. Such signs shall not be attached in any way to utility poles, meter posts, or trees within any public street right-of-way. No person shall put up any notice upon any building, wall, fence or other property of another person without having first obtained the consent of the owner of such property.

Theft or damage of political or campaign signs

There is no specific statue that pertains to theft or damage of political or campaign signage. However, signs placed legally on private property are afforded the same protection as any other property that can be stolen or vandalized.

Dependent upon the value of the sign(s) offenders can be charged with either petit larceny, grand larceny, or property damage. Punishments range for these offenses range from a class 1 misdemeanor to an unclassed felony.

We hope that everyone will be respectful of these statutes, and the political expressions of others, without stealing or vandalizing signs.

We encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote on Election Day.

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SRO You Should Know- E.B. Stanley Middle School

SRO You Should Know

The Abingdon Police Department supplies a full-time School Resource Officer to E.B. Stanley Middle School for the school year. Officer C.A. Heath has been the designated School Resource Officer for seven (7) years. The SRO program is designed to promote and foster the ongoing partnership between law enforcement, the school system, and the community to ensure safer schools, successful students, and productive citizens.

When asked what he likes best about his job as an SRO. Officer Heath responded, “The challenge of working in a setting comprised of children from all different cultural, economic, and social backgrounds. I hope that my efforts as an SRO have a positive effect so the students continue making positive choices and give back to the community.”

Officer Heath became a police officer because he wanted to help others, and protect those who cannot protect themselves. He has nine (9) years and ten months of service. Thank you, Officer Heath for all you do for the community!

Lost Sock Coin Laundry Theft on 10-4-16

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

On Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at approximately 7:46 AM, Abingdon Police were dispatched to the Lost Sock Coin Laundry, located at 737 Cummings Street, Abingdon, in reference to the theft of money from coin-operated machines. Upon arrival, officers viewed video surveillance of a male and female entering the business at approximately 2:55 AM and attempting to gain access to the machines. After several attempts, the subjects were able to open the money drawer of the detergent dispenser, and empty the contents into a purse.  The subjects then attempted to gain access to several crane claw machines, but were unable to remove any items or money. At approximately 3:07 AM, the suspects exited the business and left the premises in an older model sedan. The two suspects were able to steal approximately $200 in quarters.

The male suspect is described as tall and thin with a grey/blonde beard, he was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. The female suspect is described as short and thin with dark colored hair and glasses, she was wearing a hooded sweatshirt with white lettering, and blue jeans.  If you have any information as to the identity of these suspects, please contact the Abingdon Police Department at 276-628-3111 or the Crime Tip Line at 1-844-200-8477.

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MVA Hit and Run 10-3-16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

At approximately 12:28 PM on Monday, October 3, 2016, Abingdon Police were dispatched to the corner of West Main Street and Jonesboro Road in reference to a hit and run traffic crash with injuries. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle that had been involved in a rear-end crash caused by another vehicle, that the witness stated left the scene.

Abingdon Police are looking for a white SUV, possibly a Jeep, with front-end damage. The vehicle fled the scene towards Interstate 81, driven by a male with blonde/red hair.  If you have any information as to the identity of the suspected driver or you witnessed this incident, please contact the Abingdon Police Department at 276-628-3111 or the Crime Tip Line at 1-844-200-8477.

SRO You Should Know- Abingdon High School

SRO You Should Know

The Abingdon Police Department supplies a full-time School Resource Officer to Abingdon High School for the school year. Officer O.A. Hay has been the designated School Resource Officer for five (5) years. After finishing up his military duty, he started in law enforcement, and now has 29 years of service.

When asked what he liked best about his job as a SRO. Officer Hay responded, “I like being with the kids and helping in different ways. Also, I provide an approachable outlet for kids to ask questions or to talk about issues.”

The SRO program is designed to promote and foster the ongoing partnership between law enforcement, the school system, and the community to ensure safer schools, successful students, and productive citizens. Thank you, Officer Hay for all you do for the community! 

Bicycle Thefts

Abingdon Police Department

                          

For Immediate Release

Since July 31, 2016, the Abingdon Police have received seven (7) reports of bicycle thefts that have occurred within the town limits. There have been eight bicycles (8) stolen within the areas of Trigg Street, Nicholas Street, Norfolk Street, Beverly Drive, and Humes Street. At this time, these bicycle thefts are being investigated as related incidents. If you have any information, call the APD Crime Tip Line at 1-844-200-TIPS (8477).

The Abingdon Police Department has compiled some theft prevention tips to help reduce the chance that YOUR bike will be stolen. 

"Do's and Don'ts" of Bicycle Theft Prevention

Do:

·         Mark you bike- with an identification number. Engrave this on the frame of the bike
            (example: MD A -123-456-789-123).

·         Store your bike in the house.
 

·         Insure- your bike against theft. Check to see if your homeowners or renters insurance         automatically cover it, or if it has to be specifically listed.
 

·         Record the Make/Model/Serial Number of Your Bike- Find the serial number of your     bike near the rear wheel or beneath the bottom bracket where the pedals attach. Write it down and put it in a safe place. Take a color photograph of your bike to give to the police if your bike is stolen. Keep it with your bicycle receipt.

Do Not:

·         Leave your bike in the yard.
 

·         Leave your bike in your garage with the garage door open.
 

·         Walk away from your bike, thinking you will only be gone a few seconds.
 

·         Hide your bike behind bushes and think it is safe.
 

·         Let strangers ride your bike (They may not bring it back!).

Lock It Up!

·         Every time you leave your bike unattended, lock it up! Use a theft-proof chain, cable, or bar lock to attach it to a sturdy, fixed object.

·         Lock your bike in a well-lighted area where it can seen from inside a building.

·         Remember to lock up your bike at home.

Pictured: Two of the stolen bicycles. 

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Beechwood Circle Structure Fire 9/9/16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Friday, September 9^th, 2016, at approximately 5:14 AM, Officer A.S. Debusk was dispatched to 510 Beechwood Circle in reference to a structure fire. Upon arrival, Officer Debusk found that most of the home was fully engulfed in flames. After quickly speaking with neighbors, he determined that there was a strong possibility that people were still inside the house. Officer Debusk approached the burning home, and observed a light coming from a side window. He could see a female figure inside, unresponsive. He began banging on the window to gain her attention. Debusk was able to wake the female and alert her that the house was on fire. With Officer DeBusk providing instructions, the female was able to wake up the other three occupants of the residence. Officer Debusk, was joined by Officer E.D. Lucy, and Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Jason Shephard. The three were able to rescue the four occupants and four dogs through the side window of the home. None of the occupants or officers were injured during the incident. Due to the intensity of the fire, the Abingdon Fire Department was unable to determine the cause of the fire. The case is under investigation by the Abingdon Police Department. 

We wish to thank and acknowledge the Abingdon Fire Department, the Washington County, VA Sheriff's Office, and the Washington County Life Saving Crew for their efforts in mitigating this incident.

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