Alarm bells are being raised by the group which operates the City-owned Kamloops Bike Ranch, amid a recent string of fires and vandalism.

The Kamloops Performance Cycling Club says since the start of the year, they’ve seen numerous acts of vandalism and thefts.

“We’ve lost our timing trailer that was donated to us by Cycling BC. That was part of what our DH [downhill] Club used for timing,” Jeremy Hole, Director with the Club, told Radio NL in an interview.  “That was stripped down to nothing and is now going to the dump.”

Hole says the fires are of significant concern, given that the Ranch is located in the wooded area of Juniper.

“We’ve had two fires, which is kind of where we hit the limit… got to get our community together here. Both these fires were in the Ranch,” noted Hole.  “High potential for further issues. We all know Juniper a couple of years go. It was a scary moment, right.”

In a post on the Performance Cycling Club’s Facebook page, the group warns that “these acts of vandalism threaten the integrity and future of the park.”

“Such a good thing for our community I think. Everyone who’s been there… its a unique thing that Kamloops has. To lose this to these kinds of acts of vandalism would be very sad,” said Hole.

He notes the Club — as a non-profit — can’t afford to provide security, and estimates the losses at between $9,000 to $12,000.

The City of Kamloops, which owns the Bike Ranch, says it is aware of the vandalism, but has yet to put its own dollar figure on the amount of damage done.

The Cycling Club is asking locals in the area to keep watch and report on any suspicious activity, saying its unclear whether the acts of vandalism are targeted or random.

“Let’s work together to protect and preserve the Kamloops Bike Ranch. If you see something, say something,” said the Club in its Facebook post.  “Together, we can ensure that our park remains a safe and enjoyable place for all.”