Branford Police Department.
Saying “DAROS DISHONEST” signs posted anonymously all over town may have been treated with an abrasive chemical agent, Police Chief Kevin Halloran asked the town to remove all the signs from both public and private property because they may pose a potential health hazard for children and pets.
Capt. Geoffrey Morgan last night informed all residents of the potential health hazard the signs may hold by telephoning a recorded message to the homes and cell phones of all Branford residents. He used the town’s B‑informed Emergency Notification system.
Many of these signs were placed on public and private property about two weeks ago, but police believe the irritating chemical agent was only placed on the signs in the last day or two — -perhaps as a way to deter people from removing them. The sign, misspelled, refers to Anthony “Unk” DaRos, the current first selectman.
Police did not identify the person or persons or group that might have been involved in yesterday’s activity. They did say they were actively investigating the case. They have now determined that a transparent “Bird Gel,” which was found on one of the signs, was the culprit. “Bird Gel”contains the active ingredient polybuten and is typically used to stop certain birds from roosting on ledges and other flat surfaces. It is applied with a standard caulking gun.
Late Thursday, local property owner Wayne Cooke, who has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute with DaRos, issued a press release claiming responsibility, apologizing, and saying he meant no harm. Read it in full in this Branford Patch article.
The police learned about the problem after a volunteer fireman and another person removed a sign posted on their property and found the surface was sticky. After they were exposed to some sort of chemical, they became concerned and alerted police. The police then had the substance analyzed.
Chief Halloran said: “At this point we have a situation that poses a health interest to our citizens. As such we are taking measures to reduce their exposure including our Public Works Department collect the signs from both private and public property.”
Bird Gel is a non- toxic substance, the police said, but could cause skin and eye irritation, especially for children, domestic animals and pets.
While Bird Gel does not cause long term adverse health effects, the police advised all residents to avoid contact with the signs and if needed to call the police department to arrange for their removal.
DaRos is seeking a sixth term in office as first selectman. Attorney Andy Campbell is his running mate on the Democratic line in a town-wide election that takes place five days from now, on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
####