Police in Campbell River issued a warning Friday to anyone frequenting a local trail, asking the public to be vigilant while jogging and hiking along it.

The move comes in the wake of a disturbing note left on several trees along the Beaver Lodge trail, a network of pathways frequented by runners and dog-walkers alike.

The note is directed at a young female, and the letter writer describes how they've been watching her from afar as she walks her dogs.

It reads: "I slipped up and almost came out to say hello, but thought better of it. I was too close and you could smell my cologne. I was close enough to hear you ask your friend if she smelt cologne and I watched you stop and smell the air."

RCMP Sergeant Troy Beauregard says that while the notes weren’t threatening, the wording is of some concern.

We're trying to find out what the intent of the letter was, if it was an awkward attempt at courtship. We need to discuss that - RCMP Sgt. Troy Beauregard

“We just want people to be vigilant on the trails — beware of your personal safety.”

The appearance of the notes has some local residents thinking twice about frequenting the trail.

Kim Dorrington usually walks it with her dogs. She says she’s staying away until police find the person who wrote the letter.

“It’s a bit concerning. There are lots of places to hide — if something happens, you may not be found or helped right away.”

Investigators have been able to locate and speak to the woman targeted. Now, they want to speak to the man who wrote the letter.

Police are asking the letter writer to contact them.

“We're trying to find out what the intent of the letter was, if it was an awkward attempt at courtship. We need to discuss that,” says Sgt. Beauregard.