View From a Cop: Stop Helping Gym Thieves by Leaving Valuables in Lockers

It seems that we ultimately go full circle in the arena of crime prevention. We constantly look for new ways to say the same thing but regardless how we fluff it up, if comes out the same.

The latest example was the recent series of The crooks picked on three gyms. They (or he—I don’t know) went in and cut the locks on the cheap combination locks, grabbed the goods and left.

It takes only seconds.

Last week, they hit three to four lockers at a time and got wallets, credit cards, cash, (as much as $200 in one locker) and jewelry not to mention car keys.  The keys lead to other issues in that they can walk out to the parking lot while the victim is still on the Stairmaster and whatever is in the car can be—and many times is - stolen.

Thefts are preventable. It takes a small amount of effort and a lack of (listen up here) laziness and procrastination, to remain in that small percentile of those who are “hard” targets for thieves.

Locker thefts are the most preventable.  

I got a lovely e-mail from a man who wrote that he was a victim of a locker-room theft and took offense to statements I made recently on television. In his view, I was blaming the victims for not securing their valuables. I guess in a way I am. Who is it incumbent on—ultimately that is? You! 

He writes “Where am I supposed to put my keys if not in the locker?”

The answer is simple: Anywhere—other than the locker!!

One fact is clear: If your keys are NOT in the locker then they won’t be stolen. No argument there I suppose.  So, where do you put them? Take the ignition key off the ring and put the ring in the trunk of the car (before you arrive at the gym) and then place the single car key in your gym shorts or pin them with a safety pin. If that isn’t your solution, then think of where you would put them OTHER than in the locker.

Look, the only thing they should find in your locker is your trousers, shirt, socks, and your underwear. I cannot remember the last “underwear theft” report that we took. There is no market for them right now.

When someone has their $200 cell phone, $90 cash, credit cards and a ring, or other jewelry stolen from a gym locker, they’re understandably upset. The initial response (and we all do it) is to look for someone to blame. It’s natural. We all do it.

I’m still angry at disco after I found out I can’t dance. Well, I can but it’s not pretty. I tried the “Saturday Night Fever” moves that Travolta did but ended up with a hip flexor and a torn ACL. Eventually though, I realized that it was my own fault.

Okay that isn’t the best comparison but the point is that victimization is a series of emotions. First, you blame someone - anyone - but you.

Second, you want the thief caught and then hanged.

Third, you actively lobby for the death penalty for anything more serious than littering. All crooks must die!

Next, you get a letter from your insurance company, telling you that you’re covered and the check is on the way. Suddenly, you don’t really see the need to lobby so enthusiastically.

Once the check arrives, you get new stuff and it’s like Christmas because chances are, you managed an upgrade in there somewhere—most likely on the phone.

Fast forward two months and everything is okay again. You’ve come full circle. You check your watch and decide you have time to hit the gym before going home. You drive to the gym, park, and then you think “Should I risk taking this stuff inside or maybe should I have stashed it in the trunk?”  

I don’t want to risk getting the phone and wallet taken so I’ll hide it here under my wool hat so nobody will see it. Perfect. You go in, change, hide your keys all the way in your pants pocket and you hit the treadmill.

Ten minutes later, a man walks into the gym with a gym bag containing a bolt cutter. He goes into the locker room and goofs around until he sees that everyone has momentarily left the area. Lock is cut, pockets checked, key found, locker shut, and he’s outside again after about two minutes. He chirps the car alarm and opens the door and then takes your new phone and wallet with the new credit cards and $100 cash.

The thief hits the nearest Wal-Mart or Target after stopping to fill the tank with your credit cards. He uses them and discards them before you finish up. You shower and a few minutes later realize that your combination lock has been cut.

There is a really bad feeling that hits the pit of your stomach when something like that happens. You have returned to square one.

Of course it is your responsibility to make sure that your stuff remains safe. Believe me, we are NOT dealing with rocket scientist here. We’re dealing with low-rent opportunists who do take chances to get what they want. They may open three or four lockers and find only dirty underwear but finding the one that has a wallet and other items makes up for it.

Take stock in yourself. Be creative. Know that you are one of a dozen or more potential victims a thief will check out. The goal is to be unattractive. Nothing but your clothes should be in the locker. Sure, they may swipe them but it’s not likely. Even if they do, it’s better than your expensive watch being gone. Worst case scenario is you go home in your gym clothes. You’ll be mad but not credit-card-missing mad.

If you still struggle with the question of “Where do I hide my stuff?” then consult your local police department’s crime prevention officer. They spend a lot of time looking for creative ways to keep your stuff safe.

Come on, stop whining and take control of your situation when it comes to safety. Don’t procrastinate and don’t be lazy. Be the smart guy.