Rash of thefts at gyms

Pilfering from cars at fitness-center lots in south O.C. seems to be unrelated to similar crimes in local area last year.A recent spate of thefts from fitness center parking lots in south Orange County resembles a similar spree last year in Costa Mesa, but police say there have been no reports of a repeat locally.

Over the holidays, a thief targeted gyms in Laguna Hills, San Juan Capistrano and Foothill Ranch, breaking into cars and stealing valuables, officials said.

The thief would steal credit cards from a wallet and replace them with other stolen cards, said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Following a car break-in at a Foothill Ranch gym parking lot, a man was caught on videotape using the stolen card to make a purchase at a nearby Target store, Amormino said.

Last year, a rash of thefts at area gyms prompted Costa Mesa police to step up enforcement. One upscale club reported seven locker burglaries and one car stolen from its parking lot in January 2005.

Both Costa Mesa and Newport Beach police said they’re not aware of any recent reports of local fitness centers being targeted by a parking-lot thief.

No arrests have been made in the recent thefts in south Orange County, and police don’t know if the crimes are related to the previous incidents, Amormino said.

It’s not unusual for car burglaries at gyms to increase during the holidays, Amormino said.

“I think the reason for that [increase] is that around the holidays, people carry more money than usual,” Amormino said. “A lot more people start going to the gyms in January because of New Year’s resolutions.”

It’s also common knowledge that many people leave their wallets and other valuables in the car while in the gym, Amormino said.

Eric Florez, assistant manager at 24 Hour Fitness in Newport Beach, said the gym has taken precautions to warn people about vehicle break-ins.

Signs are posted throughout the gym, reminding people not to leave valuables in their cars and to report any suspicious activity in the parking lot, Florez said.

The 24 Hour Fitness in Newport Center has had problems in the past with car break-ins, but none recently, Florez said.

The thief may not have hit Newport-Mesa parking lots this year, but police say people should still take precautions.

“A lot of these things are occurring with people not locking their cars,” said Costa Mesa Lt. Dale Birney.

Police advise that when you drive to the gym, bring only your membership card and your driver’s license.

“That’s all you need,” Amormino said.

* LAUREN VANE covers public safety and courts. She may be reached at (714) 966-4618 or by e-mail at [email protected].