JACKSON – The start of the 2014 campaign season is less than two months old and there is already a report of political signs being vandalized.

The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft and damage of campaign signs of Brenda Burnette.

Two different incidents were reported to NCSO Deputy Chris Collier on Feb. 14 by Brenda Burnette, who has filed for Sheriff. One incident took place in the Vultare Community along NC 46; the other occurred at the intersection of US 258 and NC 35 in Woodland.

According to Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith, the incident in Vultare involved the campaign sign being removed and later found destroyed in a field about quarter mile from where it was erected. Burnette’s husband, Tony, made the discovery.

In Woodland, the sign was damaged; it appeared that the sign had been run over by a vehicle, Smith said.

The Northampton County Sheriff Office is actively investigating this crime. It is a misdemeanor to steal and/or damage the property of another person. Anyone with information about these crimes can call the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office at 252-534-2611.