GIRARD — City officials are cracking down on recent vandalism at the parks and at the boat launch area by the Mahoning River.

Mayor Mark Zuppo said security cameras are being installed, and there will be extra police patrolling in different areas. The vandalism at the boat launch has included paint thrown on the Don Rex Memorial marker to honor Rex, a longtime councilman and school official.

Zuppo said people also have been littering in the parks and by the boat launch.

Zuppo said one problem is people on four-wheelers driving in areas they are not permitted, including the walking paths at Tod Park.

“The police have seen them riding through Tod Park on the trails that people walk on. They have been seen in the cemetery on Route 422 and by the river,” Zuppo said.

Police have already caught some people on the off-road vehicles in the parks as well as having parties by the river and leaving litter behind.

Zuppo said people are coming from other communities with four-wheelers on the backs of trucks that they unload in the woods or by the river.

“This will not be happening anymore. We are cracking down on anyone riding four-wheelers in the parks and by the river. We will be waiting for them,” Zuppo said.

He said the city is also making sure there are no large amounts of trash left anywhere in the city, including curbside.

Residents are permitted to place garbage at the curb, but officials have said people have items left at the curb for weeks.

Fourth Ward Councilman Thomas Grumley has said at past council meetings he is well aware of the properties that have many zoning issues.

Grumley said one property that trash all over the yard and driveway, which attracts animals, and large living room chairs in the yard.

“There is trash on the porch. Bags of clothing open in the driveway. It is despicable. I can’t imagine being a neighbor living next to this,” Grumley said.