DUNBARTON - A candidate for selectman has reported the theft of some of his campaign signs.

Travis James, who is running for a three-year selectman's seat against Brian Pike, said he had placed a number of campaign signs along the Route 13 corridor in Dunbarton, through the center of town late last week, and noticed Sunday that nine of them were missing.

"My signs were the only ones missing in town," James said. "They didn't just walk away."

James said he didn't think the race between himself and Pike was particularly contentious, and that anyone could have taken the signs.

"But I find it highly unusual that it's the most visible ones in town that are gone," he said. "It's fishy."

Les Hammond, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said he noticed the missing signs Saturday.

"It's petty," he said. "There are five candidates for tax collector, and there aren't any problems with signs there," adding that it is a frustrating situation for those running for office.

James said he reported the incident to the Dunbarton Police.

Dunbarton Police Patrol Supervisor Jacqueline Pelletier said officers will remain on the lookout to see if any other signs are taken.

James said he has more signs to put up after this week's snowstorm.

"I've got plenty of backup," he said. "The more they take, the more I'll put up."

kremillard@newstote.com