Yard signs meant as a message of inclusion and solidarity with the Chicago-area's refugee community now becoming a show of strength against those who wish to silence their message, neighbors say.
Surveillance video shows a thief removing a sign from a front yard in Wheaton. The homeowner, Susan Booton, says the person who made off wit her sign did not steal her resolve.
"I'm not going to let them silence me," Booton said.
The signs read "we are not afraid" and "hate has no home here." It's a show of support for the refugee community in DuPage County.
Resident Kate Sisk says she began distributing the signs months ago in response to President Donald Trump's administration's immigration ban. Hundreds now have been stolen and just this week signs in her own front yard were defaced with black spray paint.
"We wanted to show them we are with them we support them and we don't want them to leave," Sisk said.
According to the World Relief Organization, more than 200 refugees have been relocated to DuPage County from countries including Ukraine, Iraq, Iran and South Sudan.
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Glen Ellyn resident Lynn Allaway is proud of the sanctuary status.
"This is a community that cares that is welcoming," Allaway said.
Despite the thefts the number of yard signs is not shrinking.
Sisk has placed new signs in her yard, now secured with fishing line.
"It's just really important to our country that we accept everybody," she said.
Police are investigating reported thefts and say if there are any other victims they want to hear from those who have had their signs taken.
Any photos or videos would also help their investigation, authorities said.
