Vandals stealing, defacing signs in North Vancouver park: RCMP

The North Vancouver RCMP is asking the community to report vandals who have been targeting signage in a district park.

Police say rangers in North Vancouver’s Princess Park noted a slew of stolen and discarded sign posts through the month of April.

“Park rangers have had to replace and reinstall these signs, costing money that could be better spent to upkeep the park,” the RCMP said in a release Thursday.

The signs are mounted to eye-level lumber posted in the ground, warning parkgoers to stay on the trail and keep dogs on a leash.

Police say rangers have found the posts sometimes thrown aside, but sometimes stolen, and the holes where they once stood filled.

“It is really disappointing to see such senseless acts of theft and vandalism in Princess Park,” said Steffanie Warriner, director of parks for the District of North Vancouver.

“New signage and fencing were installed to protect the hard work of over 60 community volunteers and district staff who planted 1,000 native plants last year to help improve forest health in this area. Not only is it costly to continue to replace these signs and fencing, but these acts of vandalism disrespect the time and care that has been invested into restoring this sensitive area and put the good work of the community and staff in jeopardy.”

The North Vancouver RCMP says it’s prepared to charge the vandals with mischief, and it’s asking the public to report suspicious activity by calling 604-985-1311 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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