Los Angeles authorities Wednesday warned fitness enthusiasts to look out for thieves lurking around at gyms and workout studios.
Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department told NBC4 Investigates exclusively that they are receiving increasing calls about thefts from gyms in North Hollywood, Valley Village, Studio City and Toluca Lake.
“We have seen an escalation of property thefts that are within the gym but primarily in the locker rooms that’s occurring,” said Lt. Ryan Lee, the detective commanding officer at the LAPD’s North Hollywood station.
Some of the victims did not secure their belongings, but others became theft victims even after locking away their valuables, such as jewelry, bags, wallets, keys, cellphones and more.
“We’re also seeing in some of these secure spaces, in these locker rooms, that some of the locks are being compromised, that the doors aren’t being fully shut,” Lee said.
As of Wednesday, there was no evidence the thefts are committed by the same people or groups.
Darrius Hicks, whose his $20,000 Rolex watch was stolen from Equinox Studio City, said someone took the high-end item from the gym locker room on Sept. 19.
“I took off my watch. I put it inside my locker. I locked my locker,” he said.”I went to take a shower and steam. About 15 minutes or so passed by, (I) came back to my locker, opened my locker up to find my watch gone.”
He explained the pricey watch also had sentimental value as one of his closest friends had a matching watch. After his friend died at age 36, it became a memento of their friendship.
“The watch is more sentimental to me than anything, so I would really, really greatly appreciate it if I can get my watch back at any point,” he said, adding he is offering a $10,000 reward.
Equinox told NBC Los Angeles that it takes the security of their members’ property seriously, and it’s assisting law enforcement on Hicks’ case.
LAPD investigators urged the public to be extra vigilant when carrying valuables to community spaces.
“Our message to the community is to help us maintain these safe spaces,” Lee said. “Our hope is that by educating the public that they can lock and secure their valuables, and we can protect those community spaces.”
The LAPD reminded people to get a secure lock to use at the gym, and if possible, leave their valuables at home.
“If at any point, you see something, notify the gym right away, and if necessary, call the police,” Lee said.
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