"Not a Gun Free Zone" signs cause controversy

CONOY TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Officials in a Pennsylvania community are posting "Not a Gun Free Zone" signs in an attempt to warn potential criminals that their residents are armed, but the new signage has been the target of critics - and vandals.

The idea for the signs in the rural community about 20 miles southeast of Harrisburg came after several mass shootings - including in Aurora, Colo., Newtown, Conn., and Fort Hood, Texas, township supervisor Stephen Mohr told 48 Hours' Crimesider in an email.

"We are letting those that have bad intentions know that they may be in for a bad day," Mohr said. "For those visitors that are not gun owners, our signs should be a comfort, knowing we [gun owners] will watch out for their well-being."

The township began posting the signs early this month, and 12 have been erected so far. They plan to post about four more, Mohr said. Advocacy group United Sportsmen of Pennsylvania donated the money to put up the signs- about $500, according to Lancaster Online.

However, critics are leery about the message it sends. Deb Garber and April Ellis both tell the publication that the signs might not be in the best interest of the town.

"I think it gives the area a feeling that I'm not sure the people want to convey," Garber told the publication. "Knowing guns are around doesn't make me feel any safer."

"It's fine with me if people have guns, but I don't think it needs to be advertised," Ellis said.

Others appear to agree. Acknowledging the critics, Mohr told Crimesider four of the new signs have been vandalized with graffiti in the form of peace signs.

Despite of the controversy, Mohr said the township is in the process of developing bumper stickers, window decals and yard signs with the "Not a Gun Free Zone" slogan on it, he said.

Mohr said he has also been contacted by towns all over the country, asking about posting similar warnings. Greenleaf, Idaho may be the next to implement the idea.

The mayor of that town, Bradley Horton, told Crimesider that members of the city council plan to weigh a proposal to post similar signs next month. He says it's at least worth a try.

"We rely on signage to declare city limits, speed zones and schools. It would seem there is a direct relationship of signage and the public modifying their behavior because of that signage," Holton wrote in an email to Crimesider. "As the old saying goes 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'"