Trump supporter builds tiny fence around his garden sign to protect it

'Obviously, people didn't like it’, said Massachusetts man after six sign thefts

A Republican who had several pro-Donald Trump signs stolen from his front lawn has now erected a small electric fence for protection.

The 54-year-old, John Oliveria, says he installed a small triangular fence after six signs with “Trump-Pence 2020” written on them went missing from outside his home in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

"It's a shame I have to do this," he told local news station, WJAR-TV, on Saturday. "I believe in the president. Obviously, people didn't like it.”

"[But] that's what our country is about. Different opinions and voicing them in a fair and equitable manner. Taking a sign is not fair and equitable," added Mr Oliveira.

"You have to be able to respect each other or we won't be able to accomplish anything if we don't. Don't mess with my right to free speech."

The formerly lifelong Democrat voter, who only recently became a Republican, said he filed two police reports about the thefts.  

That was when he decided to construct an electric fence, around 3.5 feet in height, around the newest Trump-Pence 2020 sign.

Two weeks after installing it, Mr Oliveria told WJAR-TV that nobody has touched his sign.

A message reads “Warning. Electric Fence”, notifying passersby about the electrified protection.

Another placard encouraging people to vote, which read “Vote New Bedford”, was said to have not been stolen.  

Mr Oliveria is a controversial member of the local school committee board, having used profanity and directed a middle finger at other members, reported Fox News.