- Thursday January 9th, 2014 :: 01:54 p.m. EST
Thefts at Health and Fitness Clubs (gyms)
In the last two months, we’ve experienced an increase in thefts from gyms. Cars are being broken into on parking lots and lockers are being broken into in locker rooms.
We have experienced a number of car break-ins. Items such as purses, briefcases and laptops have been left in plain sight. Additionally, a number of incidents have involved locks being cut from lockers and valuables being removed. Some lockers are left unsecured and wallets, watches, cell phones and such are being taken.
Many of these incidents can be prevented with a simple common sense approach. We recommend the following:
• Take only items to the gyms that are required. Your driver’s license and a credit card, which can be kept in your workout clothing pocket, would be advisable.
• If you are using a locker, use a heavy weight lock. We recommend you only secure your clothing in the locker and no personal items.
• Prior to leaving home, place your purses, wallets, briefcases, watches and other valuables in your locked trunk. We have not experienced trunks being forced open. Remember if secure your valuables at home, unscrupulous individuals watching parking lots will not see you storing valuables, thus reducing your exposure.
• While in the gym, keep your car keys with you if possible. There have been cases where keys were stolen and the alert function on the key fob was used to identify the vehicle, which was then rummaged.
• Work with your gym management to enhance security. Everyone needs to be on alert to individuals who appear out of place, particularly in locker rooms.
• Immediately report suspicious activity.
A number of these thefts can be defeated or deterred with just a little extra effort.
Working together, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Address/Location
Anne Arundel County Police Department - Eastern District
204 Pasadena Road
Pasadena, MD 21122
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 410-222-6145