Calgary gym-goers warned after string of locker thefts

Police say there have been 20 instances of gym thefts so far this year and warn Calgarians to lock their things away while working out.

Calgary police and local recreation facilities are issuing a public warning following a spike in locker room thefts across the city.

Authorities say at least 60 thefts have been reported since November, marking a significant jump from the 20 incidents initially reported to the Calgary Police Service earlier this year.

As officers investigated the crimes, more victims came forward to share their stories.

The thefts have occurred at several locations, including MNP Community & Sport Centre, Westside Recreation Centre, Vivo, the YMCA and GoodLife Fitness.

The issue has become so problematic that it was recently a topic of discussion at the latest police commission meeting.

Deputy Chief Cliff O’Brien noted offenders often enter gyms using out-of-province memberships or drop-in waivers to gain access to the facilities.

“They target lockers that are secure, and they gain access without causing any visible damage to the lock,” O’Brien said.

“They steal credit cards or debit cards, and often the victims don’t know right away.”

Preventable crime

While many of the targeted lockers were secured, a significant number of victims had left their belongings completely unprotected.

Nick Wiggins, vice-president of operations for YMCA Calgary, said more than 60 per cent of thefts reported across the city involve lockers that don’t have a lock on them.

“I strongly encourage everybody to use a padlock on your locker,” Wiggins said, noting the city’s YMCAs see roughly two to three thefts a week from lockers that are locked.

However, Wiggins cautioned that not all locks are created equal.

He suggests leaving high-value items at home and using a shrouded padlock, which has a collar around the shackle to make it harder to cut.

“There are good locks which are solid, and then there are smaller locks which really do not present any kind of a barrier for a theft,” Wiggins said.

“Think about the kind of lock that you’re using.”

Public vigilance required

Sgt. Nick Wilsher of CPS’s crime prevention unit said gym members play a vital role in keeping facilities safe.

He advises members not to let others slip in behind them without scanning a pass or signing in.

“You know the routine. If somebody is trying to slip by, that’s not right,” Wilsher said. “Report that, and anyone you see acting suspicious in the locker room as well.”

Ultimately, officials say the goal is to ensure the only thing you lose at the gym is your breath — not your belongings.

Victim reporting

If you have been a victim of locker theft, contact Calgary police through the non-emergency line (403-266-1234) or submit a report online at calgarypolice.ca.

Anonymous tips about locker room thefts can be submitted to Crime Stoppers.