By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

Security has been an issue the past few years at Madeline Bertrand County Park in Niles Township.

Park officials hope the installation of security cameras will help curb the vandalism and break-ins at the park and its office and lodge.

Berrien County Parks Director Brian Bailey said several cameras were installed at the beginning of the month with signs alerting people of the cameras.

The park, located on the Michigan-Indiana state line, has fallen victim to acts of vandalism and theft in recent years.

Bailey said that between 2008 and 2009, about 10 incidents have taken place.

“They have taken place generally when the park is closed,” Bailey said. “And the vandalism is anywhere, from destroyed signs to breaking and entering into the Bertrand lodge.”

In 2007, a group of people broke into the park’s office and stole computer equipment. In May 2009, the glass of the front door of the visitor’s center was shattered at 1:30 a.m. but nothing was taken after alarms were set off.

Other incidents of broken windows, upended picnic tables and spray painting have also occurred in that time frame. The parks department has also been working with the Michigan State Police and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department to increase patrol around the park.

Bailey doesn’t know why Madeline Bertrand Park has been more of a target for vandalism than others in the county, adding that the park is well-lit and has an alarm system in the office.

Bailey said there haven’t been any acts of vandalism since the installation of the cameras and expects them to be effective in reducing the number of incidents.

Half of the cost of the cameras was funded by a grant from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority, while the rest was paid out of the county park fund. The total cost for the cameras was $3,100.