Although locker thefts are an ongoing issue for club owners and members alike, it appears that locker room thieves have become even smarter. Police in Chico, Calif. are currently looking for a three-man burglary team that has targeted local fitness and health clubs in the area over the last three years.
The men reportedly focus on secured lockers to steal credit and debit cards, according to the Chico Police Department. The cards are then used at local businesses to make large purchases, including high-end electronics.
Although Chico police are unable to detail the method in which the suspects were entering lockers, as the information is part of an ongoing investigation, Chico Police Detective Joel Schmid said that multiple locker types were broken into, including both keyed lockers and those with external locks, such as padlock or combination locks.
“The suspects did seem very savvy, using a variety of methods to bypass regular security on the lockers,” said Schmid in a phone interview.
The alleged burglars are thought to have been operating in Chico since January 2010, Schmid said. The men have also reportedly targeted other cities and counties in Northern California. The three suspects may also be traveling through the Western United States, said Schmid. Their activity suggests they’re moving through a wide geographical area.
Police estimate more than $40,000 was stolen from the victims in these cases.
Ricardo Alva, the director of sales for Salsbury Industries, the company that launched Lockers.com, discussed a product that could be your next offensive move in the battle against locker theft.
“That’s a tough one, because we can’t put cameras in locker rooms,” he said. “Basically, it comes down to where you’re storing valuables.”
To deter thieves from targeting lockers at gyms and other health facilities, Alva recommended the Cell Phone Locker to club owners. “They go up front, in high-visibility areas, generally by a front counter,” he said.
The Cell Phone Locker is quick and easy to store valuables in, and is just small enough to deposit iPads, other tablets, cell phones, watches, wallets and keys for the duration of a member’s stay at the gym.
The location is also much easier for club owners and employees to monitor. “From a security standpoint, members feel more comfortable leaving valuables there, without the concern that someone will break in without being noticed,” he said.
The Cell Phone Locker can be used with or without a key. Alva noted that keyless systems are more common, due to the convenience for both club members and club owners.
While implementing this new product will deter theft in your club, not all thieves will heed your warning. “If lockers are there,” said Alva. “They’re being targeted.”
By Sam Rogers
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
