Police are reminding the community to take simple safety measures to prevent thieves from taking your items while you work out, as hundreds of cars are being stolen from gyms across Melbourne's southeastern suburbs.
Between November 2025 and April this year, local police intelligence suggests around 250 vehicles were stolen from carparks at fitness facilities across Melbourne's southeast alone.
More than half of those thefts occurred in suburbs across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia, with local detectives investigating several car thefts after keys were stolen while the owner exercised:
- On 19 July, a black Holden Cruz was allegedly stolen from a gym in Glen Iris after car and house keys were taken by a boy who gained access into the fitness facility by tailgating members. The car was later recovered in Forest Hill. It's alleged the teen returned to the gym two days later and stole a grey Mazda 2, which was tracked by the Air Wing travelling at high speeds throughout the Greater Dandenong area. A 15-year-old girl was arrested after fleeing from the car in Keysborough. The three boys are accused of dumping the Mazda in Waterways, before getting into a rideshare vehicle that was intercepted on Hutton Road. The girl and a 16-year-old boy were charged with theft of motor vehicle, while another 16-year-old boy was charged with theft of motor vehicle and possess prohibited weapon. The trio was bailed to appear in a children's court at a later date. Meantime, a 17-year-old boy was charged with the theft of both vehicles as well as aggravated burglary, reckless conduct endangering life, drive in manner dangerous, drive at dangerous speeds, dangerous driving while being pursued by police, fail to stop on police direction, travel with part of body outside a moving vehicle, two counts of unlicensed driving, and possess cannabis. He was remanded and will face a children's court at a later date.
- Between 9pm and 10.45pm on 31 July, four teenage girls attended a gym in Clyde North, with two tailgating a gym member to gain entry. Once inside, they allegedly stole two sets of keys from the locker area before the group then stole a grey Haval Jolion. A 13-year-old girl was arrested and released with intent to summons, while enquiries continue to locate the other girls involved. The vehicle was recovered on 3 August.
- At around 7pm on 3 August, two youths entered a gym in Noble Park following behind a member, before stealing the keys to a 2001 Mercedes Benz C200 from the changerooms. Police are searching for a Caucasian male with brown curly hair who was wearing black and white Adidas slides, black trousers and a white t-shirt, as well as a female described as African in appearance who was wearing black leggings, a white hooded jumper, and white runners.
- Police are also reappealing for information to find three people involved in the alleged theft of car keys from a gym in Burwood and the subsequent theft of a ute on 9 June, which was used as a getaway car following a fire at a factory. Several vehicles inside the Carrum Downs factory were destroyed, with the blaze causing more than a million dollars' damage. A 15-year-old boy from the Melbourne area was arrested on 3 July and was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, and arson. He remains before the courts.
As investigations continue into these incidents and many more, police urge anyone with information on car thefts from fitness facilities to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Victoria Police is also reminding gym-goers that simple measures can reduce your chances of falling victim.
Those working out are urged to:
- Secure car keys and valuables in a locker or keep them with you
- Avoid using open storage cubes or unlocked shelves for car keys and valuables.
- Prevent tailgating at gyms by closing the door behind you and not opening the door for others, and direct the person to a staff member if they don't have a pass.
- Park in well-lit areas near the entry or in areas where CCTV is.
More tips can be found here: www.police.vic.gov.au/property-theft-gyms.
Quotes attributable to Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Proactive Policing Unit Acting Senior Sergeant Benita Pringle:
"We've recently seen the consequences of cars stolen from gyms and being driven by youths.
They're more often than not used to aid further criminality, where offenders try to fly under the radar of police to commit serious and violent crimes.
"Most of these car thefts are preventable, and we're asking gymgoers to take really simple measures before working out to decrease your chance of having your car stolen while you exercise.
"These include using secure lockers or keeping car keys and wallets with you while you work out.
"Opportunistic thieves are looking for an easy steal with as little effort as possible. Don't make it any easier for them to take your car.
"While we're asking gym-goers to exercise caution, to be aware and report suspicious behaviour, we're also doing our bit - we're working with fitness facilities to target harden and holding offenders to account."
