Criminals target gyms in Melbourne’s west as personal belongings, car thefts rise

Sneaky thieves are turning their attention to gyms in Melbourne’s west to steal a bounty of personal belongings – even vehicles – from members.

Sneaky criminals are targeting gym’s in Melbourne’s western suburbs, making off with a bounty of personal goods. Picture: AAP Image

Sneaky criminals are targeting gyms in Melbourne’s western suburbs to steal a bounty of wallets, phones, car keys and even vehicles.

Opportunistic thieves are gaining access to gyms by tail-gaiting customers through entry points, stolen access dongles or posing as members who’ve forgotten their access cards.

Once inside, some pose as customers by using gym equipment while their co-offender seeks out unsecured valuables or open lockers to steal items.

Victoria Police’s specialised crime-fighting Westgate Alliance Taskforce are investigating six different incidents which have occurred across Hobsons Bay and Wyndham across a five week period.

Gym-goers are urged to secure their valuables in a secured locker or keep them in sight. Picture: Supplied

Senior Sergeant Robbie Adams, from the Wyndham Proactive Policing Unit, said police would continue to investigate reports of these type of thefts in a bid to identify offenders, recover stolen vehicles and hold them to account.

“The offending is opportunistic in nature,” Sen Sgt Adams told the Herald Sun.

“Victoria Police is working closely with relevant gyms that have been impacted to ensure crime prevention measures are in place, and are proactively taking steps to address this offending.”

Gym-goers are encouraged to exercise caution and secure valuables when working out.

Police say bags should not be left unattended and lockers should be used when possible.

Open investigations include four males who entered a Sneydes Road gym in Point Cook on February 27 about 9.30am, before stealing car keys and a 2017 Mazda CX3.

They are also investigating after two males asked to be let into a Millers Road gym in Altona North, claiming they had forgotten their access dongle on March 27 at 9.20pm.

Opportunistic thieves are sneaking into gyms by entering closely behind existing members. Picture: generic image

The duo then stole an access dongle from an open locker before leaving the gym.

The next day at the same franchise’s gym in Manor Lakes, two females allegedly entered the fitness facility using the stolen access dongle from Altona North.

The alleged offenders stole car keys from a locker, before driving away in the stolen vehicle.

A male has been arrested after he entered a Millers Road gym in Altona North on March 13, before allegedly stealing car keys belonging to a 2020 Mercedes Sedan.

The vehicle has since been recovered from a Heidelberg Heights address.

If people witness suspicious behaviour at their gym they are urged to alert a staff member, or for immediate police attendance call triple-0.