GAMBIER — Six thefts from cars have been reported since February at the parking lots for the Kokosing Gap Trail, the Kokosing Water Trail and the Brown Family Environmental Center. The lots are close to each other on Laymon Road.
One theft was reported in February, three in March and two in April, Capt. Dave Shaffer of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office reported. One was listed as occurring at the “Kenyon Nature Center,” while the others seem to have been at the bike path and canoe launch parking lots.
The thefts were of personal items left in the cars, Shaffer said, usually purses or other items that were visible in the vehicles.
Kenyon Security said the sheriff’s office has made them aware of the thefts. The college security office works with the sheriff’s office to keep an eye on the Kokosing Gap Trail lot.
Knox County Park District and Kokosing Gap Trail personnel also keep and eye on the lots whenever they are in the area, said Park District Director Kim Marshall.
Shaffer said he has not seen any similar activity at any other park locations. The only advice he could offer people is the normal advice for parking a vehicle anywhere: Don’t leave any valuables in plain sight, and remove valuable items before parking in isolated areas if possible.
