AusLeisure

New Zealand Police have arrested a man following a spate of burglaries and thefts from 24/7 gyms in Auckland.

The man is allegedly linked to more than 24 burglaries at gyms in various locations in the Auckland and Waitemata districts, from Royal Oak to Henderson, over a month long period to late January.

The offender would allegedly shadow paying members or use recently stolen swipe cards, getting access to the gyms and quickly rifling through people’s bags, taking Eftpos or bank cards out of wallets and stealing other items.

Many of the victims did not know their property was taken until much later, when the stolen cards had been used at nearby service stations.

New Zealand Police acting Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Salton says it’s a reminder for people to keep their valuables on them or in a secure place at all times, explaining "if you’re heading out to the gym consider leaving valuables in a locker with a secure lock or in a pocket with a zip.

"Please don’t leave them in plain sight or in your vehicle where someone can easily snatch them (and) if you lose your credit card or notice it’s missing, immediately inform your bank and cancel the card, and if you have to take your mobile phone to the gym, keep it on you and consider downloading an app to help track down your mobile phone if you lose it.”

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Salton says people are urged to report any crime or suspicious activity to Police immediately, no matter how small they think it is.

A 25-year-old man is facing a number of charges in relation to burglary and unlawfully using a document and will next be appearing in the Waitakere District Court on 18th February.

As the matter is before the courts, Police will not be making any further comment.

Fitness club members are urged to call 111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they see someone behaving suspiciously.

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