Vandals broke into buildings at Timpanogos Cave National Monument in Utah, spraying graffiti on walls and stealing technical rescue and climbing gear.

Park officials said Tuesday that the vandalism occurred on Thursday, February 12.  The cave itself was not damaged in the incident.

Superintendent Jim Ireland said that even though the upper cave trail is still covered with snow, "it appears that multiple individuals hiked up the cave trail late Thursday night and, after cutting the lock on the trail gate, proceeded to break windows from the historic restroom building and gain access to a storage room near the cave entrance where emergency medical supplies and rescue gear are kept."

“Unfortunately, recent warm weather has made it easier to get up the trail during this normal off-season period, and there seem to always be those who feel the need to steal and destroy the things that we all value," the superintendent added in a release. "This was stupid, senseless, and costly to taxpayers. There is no reason or excuse for it."

Some of the medical and rescue equipment was recovered after being scattered along the trail, but a backpack containing technical rescue and climbing equipment was stolen. The suspects also spray-painted graffiti in the storage room area, including painting on a masonry wall constructed during the Civilain Conservation Corps-Works Progress Administration period in the monument.

Photos of the damage were not released as the investigation was ongoing.

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office provided the initial response to the incident, and the follow-up investigation was being conducted by special agents from the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch). Both state and federal charges may be brought against those responsible. Anyone with information about this case should contact the ISB tip line at (888)-653-0009.