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Penalties For Benchmark Removal
You can be Fined and/or Imprisoned

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Removal or destruction of property boundary markers is illegal and punishable by various fines. Penalties may vary by state, with possible fines of $500 and potential imprisonment. In addition, the cost of re-establishing the boundary marker can be included. Markers can cost in the thousands of dollars to place.

Anyone knowingly damaging or removing property boundary markers can be prosecuted. Consumers should report any suspected cases of property marker damage to their local authorities.

For more information about this growing problem, reference this article in the June 2007 Issue of American Surveyor: $250 Fine or Imprisonment for Removing this Mark.