The National Park Service says it is investigating the incidents and looking for tips, as well as vigilance from visitors.
Visitors to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are advised not to leave valuables in their vehicles, following a series of break-ins, according to the National Park Service.
Rangers are investigating several thefts from vehicles over the past week within the park, Superintendent John Donahue announced Thursday.
By breaking windows, items were taken from cars parked at the Hialeah Picnic Area, Lake Lenape parking lot and parking areas on National Park Drive, all in the southern end of the park spanning the border between northeastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey. (Park map.)
Taken have been purses, cash, credit cards and wallets left behind in cars by people hiking, according to the park superintendent. Shortly after being taken, the cards were used to make purchases at Target and Staples in the Bartonsville, Pennsylvania area.
We've had some vehicle break-ins. Leave the valuables home. "Don't make yourself a victim" - Chief Ranger Lisnik pic.twitter.com/WjVQjzKYOH
-- Del Water Gap NPS (@DelWaterGapNPS) July 22, 2016
Rangers have been reviewing security camera footage as part of their ongoing investigation, according to Thursday's announcement.
Chief Ranger Eric Lisnik advises against leaving purses, backpacks or wallets in vehicles -- or at least visible in vehicles -- while enjoying the park.
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"These have all been crimes of opportunity," he said in a statement. "Don't give would-be thieves an opportunity to make you a victim.
"Leave valuables at home or stow them out of sight in a trunk or other secure location before arriving at the trailhead or parking area. Do not leave valuables -- or anything that contains or looks like it may contain valuables including cash and credit cards -- in your car, especially in plain view."
Rangers have increased patrols in areas where the thefts have occurred and in other parking areas, and cameras have been installed to help monitor these areas, the park service said.
Authorities ask anyone with information on the thefts or perpetrators to call the park's 24-hour emergency communications center at 570-426-2457.
Park visitors are also advised to be aware of their surroundings and to report anything unusual, but to avoid confronting anyone engaged in criminal activity.
"If you see something, say something," stated Donahue, the park superintendent. "People come here to recreate and have a good time and they sometimes let their guard down while having fun.
"Thieves are taking advantage of that and we are doing everything in our power to identify and prosecute those involved in these criminal acts and to make the park as safe as possible for all of us."
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.