Black Lives Matter signs stolen from West Seattle yards

Thieves are stealing “Black Lives Matter” signs from front yards in West Seattle.

It was a small sign with a big statement, one Nancy Folsom knows not everyone agrees with.

Since December, her “Black Lives Matter” sign was vandalized twice. Two weeks ago, it was stolen.

“It’s worrisome because I think it’s saying somebody’s passions are high enough that they’re committing petty theft,” Folsom said.

Folsom ordered more signs. This time, in bulk.

“I bought a box of signs when mine was stolen so I could put them up and offer to other neighbors who want to put them up in their yards,” Folsom explained.

Folsom, who lives off SW Genessee Street in West Seattle’s Delridge neighborhood, shared them with a neighbor around the corner.

Her signs kept getting knocked over or stolen too.

Fed up, she left a message to the vandals.

It reads “Even if our signs keep getting stolen.” An arrow points to the “Black Lives Matter” sign.

“There were signs that were removed,” neighbor Jim said. “I think they should leave them alone and let her feel how she feels by putting (a sign) in her yard.”

But this isn’t the first time signs like these have been targeted.

Just last week, a “Black Lives Matter” sign at a Bellevue church was first vandalized and then stolen.

While Folsom is concerned that the criminals may escalate their activities, she also wants to talk about what the movement represents.

“Because it shows if I’m worried about this little statement then what are my friends and family facing?” Folsom asked. “About being black in America?”

Folsom said she is trying to not be afraid and wants to have a conversation about the movement.

She also said she is more than willing to share her signs with anyone who wants one.