Gym users warned to take care of car keys

Date published: 21/11/2006

Lockers in health clubs are proving easy pickings for thieves hell-bent on getting their hands on expensive cars.  Car keys are being stolen from lockers, and used to take cars which are then given new identities with false number plates and papers and sold on, or used as get away cars in commercial robberies and other criminal activity.

Health club users can protect themselves from becoming victims by taking their car keys with them when they go in the gym, or storing them in the valuables lockers that are provided in public reception areas by many clubs and hotels.

Detective Superintendent Ian Duddridge, head of Operation Vanguard, Greater Manchester Police's multi-pronged fight against commercial robberies said: "Criminals are targeting particular makes of car that are either high value or high powered on hotel and health club car parks. They then follow the owners in, break into their lockers and take the keys while the owners are using the facilities.

"Cars are increasingly becoming harder to steal because of highly sophisticated alarms and immobilisers. By stealing them using the keys thieves can make a quick getaway without causing any damage to the vehicle. The cars are then used for cash in transit robberies and raids on petrol stations, post offices and supermarkets. Keeping your keys with you, or using extra secure facilities provided by clubs is the best way of ensuring that your car is still where you left it before your workout".