Police said on Thursday that they have received information that certain individuals are going around and damaging or defacing election billboards and other paraphernalia for various candidates, who are contesting the upcoming general elections.

The police, in a press statement released on Thursday afternoon, reminded members of the public that it is an offense, according to Section 33 of Chapter 405 of the Small Charges Act of the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda, for any person to unlawfully and maliciously commits damage to any personal property.

“Anyone found in contravention of this act shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months”, according to the media release.

Meanwhile the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Atlee Rodney is appealing to those involved to desist from this unlawful practice and to respect the rights and privileges of everyone in our democratic society.

“Commissioner Rodney is further encouraging all duly nominated candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner throughout the remainder of their campaign, leading up to the January 18 general elections,” the statement read further