POLAND — State parks officials are warning visitors to Range Pond in Poland about a series of car break-ins in the parking lot.

Gary Best, state parks assistant regional manager, said officials know of five smash-and-grab thefts in the past few months.

Best says the incidents were similar. Visitors returned to their cars to find their belongings missing. In some cases, car windows were smashed.

He tells the Sun Journal park officials are putting up signs next week urging park visitors to be careful with what they leave in their cars.

The state has increased its ranger presence in the area and is working with the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department to get additional patrols through the area.