SLIPPERYROCK TWP, Lawrence County — An unknown thief could be targeting the vehicles of visitors at or near McConnells Mill State Park.

Arash of recent vehicle break-ins around the popular recreation site is mounting, according to state police.

Among the stolen property are six purses, two cell phones and a handgun.

Some of the vehicles were unlocked; but in several instances, windows were smashed by the thieves.

Police did not know if the cases are related; however, the thefts occurred within the past week and in proximity of one another.

On Sunday evening, Misty McCarl of Boyers told police a purse was taken from her Ford Explorer just minutes after she left the vehicle at the park. The theft occurred between 7:30 and 7:45 p.m.

Ashort time earlier, a purse was stolen from a Chevrolet Cavalier near the Breakneck Bridge at the park.

The thief in that case between 6:45 and 7:15 p.m. Sunday shattered the driver's side window to get the purse, owned by an Ellwood City woman.

Travis Rice of Center Township reported a 9 mm Hi-Point pistol was taken from his unlocked vehicle on Frew Mill Road at Kennedy Mill in the township, some six or seven miles from the state park.

The gun and other personal items were in a duffel bag that was stolen, police said.

At the same parking area on Frew Mill Road, two cars were broken into Wednesday evening.

Apurse owned by Sarah Chabal of Tarentum, Allegheny County, containing a cell phone and wallet with $120, was taken after the thief shattered a window of one of the cars, a Hyundai sedan owned by Christopher McIntyre of Allison Park, Allegheny County.

McIntyre told police a pair of Oakley sunglasses and his own cell phone were also stolen from his car between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Another purse, owned by a Center Township teenager, was taken between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. from the other car owned by the teen. Police said the car was unlocked.

Regina Massack of Tarentum said two purses and a cell phone also were taken Wednesday from her Toyota sedan between 6:45 and 7:45 p.m. at the Eckart's Bridge parking area overlooking Slippery Rock Gorge at the park.