I am having trouble with some kids stealing my political yard signs. Four are gone so far, although they are only targeting the presidential signs not the down ticket races. The signs are on my property near the street (~6-10ft from the road).

Is there a particular substance that would maintain the cleanliness of the signs, cause immediate distress to anyone touching the signs, and not permanently harm them?



I've already recorded one of the thefts on video and I am in the process of deciding what to do with that video. But that isn't the point of this question.



What I'd like to do is protect my signs. I would like to smear some substance on them that would be either disgusting or mildly annoying to any person touching them. Some thoughts were dog shit, poison ivy, or mace. I'm planning on providing a warning sign on each sign but, based on the behavior I've seen, they won't be noticed until after the theft anyway.

You must register in order to see the links