First published in the March 5 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
The Burbank Police Department is encouraging community members to take steps to safeguard their valuables after seeing an uptick in thefts from gym lockers.
“Thieves exist everywhere — even at the gym,” the BPD said in a statement. “The Burbank Police Department encourages you to work out at the gym by bringing only the essentials with you. Whenever possible, leave unnecessary items of value at home.”
The department advised community members to avoid storing or keeping valuables inside gym lockers, and to always use a secure lock. Gym visitors, the BPD added, should never share locks, lockers or locker combinations, and never leave items inside an unlocked or unsecured locker.
Gym patrons should try to keep personal items, especially keys, wallets, music players and phones with them, near them and within eyesight when exercising, the BPD said.
Parked cars at the gym are not safe alternatives for storing valuables, the department warned. If values must be kept inside your vehicle, they should be kept out of sight and the vehicle should remain locked.
Those who see a crime in progress or anything that appears to be suspicious are encouraged to report it immediately to the BPD. The department’s 24-hour non-emergency number is (818) 238-3000. For emergencies only, dial 911.
