Car thefts from Victorian gyms more than double

Gyms across the state have become targets for brazen thieves, with the number of cars stolen from fitness centres more than doubling in the past 12 months.

Gyms have become targets for thieves looking to steal cars this year. Picture: iStock

Melbourne’s growing number of 24-hour gyms have become a favourite hunting ground for car thieves, with the number of vehicles stolen from fitness centres more than doubling this year.

New data released by the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency revealed the number of motor vehicle thefts recorded at gyms increased by 125 per cent in the 12 months to September 2024.

During that time there were 180 cars stolen from outside gyms or fitness centres — up from the 83 recorded offences the year before.

Owner of Peak Fitness 247 Gym and Recovery centre Bruce Clark said his gym had two cars stolen as a result of regulars letting non-members in after hours.

“We’ve had two cars stolen and the frustrating thing is those two times it was people being let in after hours,” he said.

“You’ll see members hold the door open as they leave for someone outside … whenever we have new members we really try and tell them that while that’s what we do in the normal world, in here you’re letting someone in that you don’t know.”

Victorian gyms experienced a 57 per cent increase in total offences this year — chief among them being theft and non-aggravated burglary.

Mr Clark — whose gyms are located in Keysborough, Taylors Lakes and Pakenham — said thieves were known to strike shortly after staff knocked off for the day.

“They tend to target 24-hour gyms where people have a keytag system,” he said.

“Gyms find they come shortly after hours because they want it busy enough to blend in and enough people leaving their stuff out, so you’re not getting them at 1 or 2am.

“The biggest thing we found is just making sure our members are aware.

“If someone is trying to bring guests in after hours they get fined because we really want to know, being an independent gym, who’s in here at all times.”

“We also encourage our members to email us after hours if they see anything suspicious.”

Gyms in the City of Casey in Melbourne’s southeast recorded the most overall offences, followed by Monash, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Greater Dandenong.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said it was crucial that gym-goers kept their valuables secure.

“For those who do attend a gym, we would always advise exercising caution and secure valuables,” she said.

“This includes: don’t leave your bags unattended, and where possible, carry your items with you. Where available, use lockable storage provided and do not allow anyone to use your access pass, even if they have ‘forgotten’ theirs.”

Last week Monash police issued a public notice warning gym-goers to be wary of their keys when working out.

The number of cars stolen from gyms more than doubled this year Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

“Over the past two months there have been multiple keys stolen from pigeon holes from community centres and gyms across Monash,” the Eyewatch - Monash Police Service area posted on Facebook.

“Stolen keys result in stolen cars, which often results in criminals driving dangerously & committing more crimes using the stolen car.

“Please, for the love of fitness, never leave any valuables (including keys) unsecured while you’re working out or swimming.”

It comes as the state recorded a 10-year high for motor vehicle theft this year, with about 70 vehicles stolen per day in Victoria.

The most common locations for vehicles to be stolen was from residential streets and driveways.