‘Old mate’ with cane allegedly steals Keep the Sheep election signs

A Manning resident and sheep farmer has been left bewildered after two Keep the Sheep corflutes were allegedly stolen by an elderly man with a cane last week.

CCTV footage has captured the moment the man allegedly stole the sign outside Brent Fowler’s Bradshaw Street home on Monday last week.

The man appears to use tools to remove the sign from a frame before placing it in the boot of his nearby car.

Fowler’s wife alleges she caught the same man attempting to steal the replacement sign from their front yard a few days later, claiming as she was taking photos of him, he began yelling at her: “welcome to democracy” and “you are in the big city now”.

Fowler claimed the man began taking photos of her while she was following him and told her: “wait until you see what I do with these.”

Fowler, who owns a sheep farm in Beverley, said the alleged incidents were frustrating because in his mind he’d chosen the least political signs possible to voice his support for the movement fighting Labor’s live sheep export ban, set to take effect in 2028. The movement argues it will decimate the sheep farming sector and associated businesses, while the government and animal activists argue it is a logical continuation of a natural shrinking that has been under way for several years.

The Fowlers allege this man took their Keep the Sheep signs from their Bradshaw Street home twice in a week. Image altered to remove identifying characteristics.

“I chose the nice ‘stand with the rural communities’ one, thinking everyone can sort of understand that, and then old mate’s come along while I’m crutching and vaccinating sheep [on the farm] and steals it,” he said.

“I feel like it’s a bit more of a societal problem, rather than just the political side. We stand with rural communities – everyone should be trying to look out for each other.”

Fowler said he had reported the alleged incidents and sent the footage to police who told him stealing was a crime, but the station was busy.

A WA Police spokeswoman said police would always investigate stealing reports.

“Inquiries can take time and several factors must be considered in determining the priority assigned to investigations, including matters in which violence or public safety are elements,” she said.

The WA election was marred with widespread reports of signage damage, vandalism and theft with one Liberal campaign team managing to find their sign thief by sticking Apple AirTags to some signs.

Now, that malarkey appears to have extended to the federal election.

WAtoday witnessed some Keep the Sheep signs shredded to pieces on Albany Highway in Gosnells at the weekend, and Curtin candidate Tom White’s signs have been defaced regularly.

White’s signs along West Coast Highway were vandalised over the weekend with someone scribbling ‘Climate Death’ on several of them. Another prankster placed googly eyes on some of White’s signs over the weekend.

The police spokeswoman encouraged the public to be respectful and restrained during this period.

Victims of theft can report it by calling 131 444.

Anyone with information or CCTV regarding the identity of persons or vehicles involved in the theft or damage of any property are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.

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