LYNNWOOD, Wash. — Lynnwood police are warning gymgoers and asking for the public's help after a string of locker room thefts at various gyms in the area.
The thieves stole credit cards from the lockers in the locker rooms at an LA Fitness and a 24 Hour Fitness gyms, police say. Police also released photos of three people they believe are suspects in the crimes.
“It's pretty troublesome, you know, I'm kind of worried about it,” said one man who goes to LA Fitness.
He said he keeps his valuables in a combination locker at the front of the gym in order to keep everything secure as he has heard of theft happening in the past.
“I've definitely heard of some people getting their valuables taken, so I don't want to risk it cause even if you put a padlock on, people will come by and cut it,” said the man.
Taking preventative steps is something Jim Fuda recommends as the director of Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound.
“Either you don't take that type of information in with you when you use the locker or the important stuff, that's important to you, you keep with you when you work out,” said Fuda.
Fuda and Lynnwood police said the suspects are using the credit cards usually within an hour of the theft and keep using the cards if they are not deactivated.
“People are getting text messages from their banks while they're working out,” said Fuda. “So, it's something that obviously needs to be stopped."
While people who go to these gyms hope the suspects are caught soon, they said everyone should be cautious.
“Anything that is valuable, don't bring to the gym,” said a gym goer. “Keep an eye out for people, you know, especially people who aren't frequent gym goers that they're aware of.”
Fuda said there is a $1,000 reward for a tip that leads to the arrest and charging of the suspects.