EDITOR'S NOTE: Multimedia journalist Zarina Khairzada spoke with volunteers of LAPD's Citizen Patrol Program about the uptick in car break-ins at Griffith Park. Click the arrow above to watch the video.

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Authorities warned tourists and visitors to Griffith Park Tuesday that thieves have been targeting vehicles in the area, especially rentals.

The Los Angeles Police Department held a news conference Tuesday morning at the Griffith Park Observatory to remind people to lock their vehicles and keep valuables out of sight.

Detectives said organized theft groups out of Northern California are believed to be involved in many of the crimes.

"One thing they are doing is looking for rental cars," LAPD Detective Michael Ventura said. Rental vehicles are often identifiable by their license plates, Ventura added.

"When they see a rental car appear in the park, there's a greater likelihood that there will be money, credit cards, IDs, possibly passports, and/or valuables," he said.

Police have logged 121 thefts from vehicles in the park so far in 2022.