Police in New Castle County are investigating several cases of attempted theft along the Jack A. Markell Trail

NEW CASTLE, Del. (WPVI) — New Castle County Police are warning visitors that they are investigating several thefts and attempted thefts along a popular hiking trail.

David Munion, 76, said he raced down Jack A. Markell Trail in New Castle on June 1 to escape two teenagers who tried to steal his bicycle.

“I said, ‘You’re not getting my bike,'” Munion recalled. “And I kept pedaling.”

“He followed me all the way down,” Munion added. “He was chasing me, and I pedaled, and he came through the gate.”

When Munion returned home, he immediately called the police.

Officers determined that the two teenagers were responsible for the incident, and Munion escaped without injury.

Munion said he never had any problems on the trail before, but is more cautious now.

“It makes me look around,” Munion said. “Who’s coming? Who’s there?”

Other residents say they are also shocked by the crime along the path.

“I’m completely surprised,” said Mark Holloway of New Castle. “This is the first time I’ve heard that people in this area are having problems.”

Now some fear for their own safety as they walk or bike the 5.5-mile scenic trail that connects Wilmington and New Castle.

“This is a big problem,” Holloway said. “There are young people here. Young girls or young men, it doesn’t matter, and you don’t expect this.”

“It’s a shame that I hear about all these things because it’s a very beautiful trail that you can do fun activities on,” said Mary Madanat of Brookhaven.

Police advise visitors to follow the following safety tips:

– Be alert
– Travel with a partner if possible
– Keep valuables out of sight
– Be cautious around unfamiliar people and activities
– Call 911 if you see anything suspicious and try to give a detailed description

Residents also hope for more police patrols to prevent future thefts.

“You’ll get caught and hopefully by the police,” Munion said. “Or just stay put, because if someone else catches you, it’s going to hurt. That’s what we don’t want. Then the trail will be broken.”

Munion says his case will be heard in court on Tuesday.