Photo by Jessica Broverman The Wheeling Police Department has stepped up patrols on the city’s Heritage Trail after several recent robberies on the path.

WHEELING — Police are working to combat crime on the Wheeling Heritage Trail after several reports of robberies in the area in recent weeks.

From March 29 to Wednesday, officers have patrolled the area eight times, according to reports. Patrol officers are walking through the areas around the trail, including WesBanco Arena, the Janie S. Altmeyer Playground, the walking bridge and the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center. The past robberies on and around the trail have occurred day and night, so police have increased foot patrols in the area.

Though the trail is 13 miles long, the incidents took place between WesBanco Arena and the Janie S. Altmeyer Playground. No other robberies on Heritage Trail have been reported since March 25, according to Wheeling Police Department spokesman Philip Stahl.

“They have been getting out on foot a lot and checking the area at all times of the day. No suspicious activity has been reported, so it’s good,” Stahl said.

In addition to officers patrolling the area, officials also routinely drive by the trail to increase public safety.

As much of the trail does not have ample lighting, Stahl said residents should not be on the path after dusk because it is not permitted.

A man has been arrested in correlation with one of the robberies which took place in late February near the trail. The McMechen man arrested allegedly held a resident at knife point to obtain cash with no injuries following the alleged incident.

All other suspects have yet to be identified and are still at large.