A Portsmouth man faces theft charges for allegedly stealing more than 20 political signs across Tiverton and Portsmouth.

Tiverton police arrested Philip Myerson, 39, on Monday, Oct. 26, following a six-day investigation. He was arraigned on two charges of theft less than $1,500 and was released on $1,000 personal recognizance. He is next due in court  on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Police first heard of the alleged thefts on Tuesday, Oct. 20, when Tiverton Town Council president John Edwards reported that signs supporting his re-election campaign, as well as signs for several other candidates, were missing from various locations around town, including the Longplex Family Fun Center. Edwards told police he first noticed signs missing on Saturday, Oct. 17, and replaced one only to have it disappear several days later.

Working cooperatively with Longplex officials, police reviewed surveillance footage and business records, and determined that after visiting the Longplex facility on Wednesday, Oct. 14 and Monday, Oct. 19, Myerson allegedly stopped his car upon leaving and removed multiple campaign signs, putting them in his car before driving off.

Police issued an arrest warrant on Monday, Oct. 26 and Portsmouth and Tiverton police took Myerson into custody at his Portsmouth home that evening.

Police said Myerson cooperated with investigators and admitted taking signs in both Tiverton and Portsmouth.

In all, police recovered 22 campaign signs for local and statewide races. Though Tiverton races are non-partisan, all candidates in partisan races who had signs stolen are registered Democrats. Signs include:

• Tiverton Town Council candidates John Edwards, Craig Committo, David Perry and Robert Jobin (seven signs total);

• Tiverton School Committee candidate Valerie Barbato (one sign);

• Portsmouth Town Council candidates David Fiorillo, Juan Carlos Payero and Conley Wake Zani (four signs total);

•Statewide candidates James Diossa, Gregg Amore and Sabrina Matos (six signs total)

• Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee (four signs).