(WJAR) — A Massachusetts man went to extremes to protect his support for President Donald Trump after he said several of his Trump signs were stolen from his lawn.

"It's a shame I have to do this," said John Oliveria, who's a member of the New Bedford School Committee.

A Trump sign on a lawn isn't uncommon, but a Trump sign surrounded by electric wire fence is.

"I believe in the president. Obviously, people didn't like it," said Oliveria. "Horse wire carries a charge. Certainly will send a message."

The lifelong New Bedford resident, except for his 20 years in the U.S. Navy, is showing his support for the president.

"A couple weeks into it, the sign started disappearing," said Oliveria.

Six signs and two police reports later, Oliveria said he was "done with this. I'm just trying to make a statement of what I believe in."

Oliveria, who just turned Republican, said he has had enough.

"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," he said.

Two weeks since the wires went up, the sign has stood its ground.

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

Oliveria said he had another sign on his lawn that was never touched, which encouraged people to get out and vote.