Brisbane gym patrons have been urged to lock and secure all personal items, including car keys, when they are at the gym.
The warning follows the court appearance on Monday (April 20) of a 17-year-old male charged with stealing keys from unsecured lockers, and cars, across seven Brisbane suburbs.
The teenager is facing 23 counts related to car thefts and break-ins from March 2 to April 19 across Herston, Rocklea, Bulimba, East Brisbane, Inala, Chapel Hill and South Brisbane.
“Gym goers are urged to use lockable lockers wherever available or keep vehicle keys and other valuables on your person,” a Queensland Police statement reads.
“Remain vigilant when entering and exiting gyms, make sure you are not letting unknown people through the door where a fob pass is required.
“If you see anything suspicious, alert gym staff or report it to police,” it read.
ARREST OVER GYM THEFTS
Police say that on Sunday, April 19, police located the teenager travelling in a white 2024 Hyundai across Brisbane.
Helped by a POLAIR helicopter, officers deflated the car’s tyres in Inala and arrested him; police are also alleging that the car had been stolen from a Broadbeach Waters address the day before (April 18).
Three other teenagers in the car have also been charged and are due to face court on driving and drug possession charges: a 15-year-old Inala boy on April 20, a Cannon Hill girl, 17, in Brisbane Childrens Court on May 5 and a 15-year-old Redland Bay girl, in Richlands Childrens Court on May 21.
Investigations remain ongoing, Queensland Police said.
HOW TO CONTACT THEM
If you want to alert police, you can visit Policelink and use their online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444. You can also report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers, call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
