Vandals are targeting the Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail in Niles Township, leaving graffiti on signs, removing mile markers and concerning those who use and care for the popular bicycle and walking path.

“We’ve had some sporadic acts of vandalism on the trail since it has opened,” said Harry Thibault, chairman of the Niles Township Park Commission. “Nothing too drastic, but certainly frustrating.

“The trail is in really good shape overall and I think it is just one or two individuals doing most of this damage, so if they can be found, I think these incidents will largely stop.”

Authorities are asking trail users to be on the lookout for signs of vandalism on the trail and to report any damage to the township office at (269) 684-0870.

Thibault said damage to date includes:

• Someone spinning their vehicle tires on the asphalt trail near the state line

• Graffiti on a trail-crossing sign at Bell Road

• Graffiti on vehicles parked in lots adjacent to the east side of the trail between Bell and Bertrand roads

• Someone pried open the pet waste bag station boxes at Bell Road and Bertrand Road. The bags were either taken or strewn about.

• Someone used a key to scratch the trail map station at Bell Road

• A mile marker was removed and is missing

Thibault said the township has received reports of all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles using the trail, which is closed to all motorized vehicles except emergency vehicles and power wheelchairs/scooters.

Thibault said the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is aware of the issues and is making efforts to increase patrols in the area of the trail.

Anyone with information about the person or persons responsible for damaging the trail should contact the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department at (269) 684-5274. Anyone who witnesses vandalism should contact police immediately.