Thefts from lockers at Servus Place, Fountain Park and other private gyms throughout St. Albert are on the rise, according to the RCMP.
RCMP received 34 reports of locker theft between January and April.
“Locker thefts aren't uncommon in St. Albert, but we've seen so many in a short period of time that it's concerning,” said St. Albert RCMP Cst. MJ Burroughs.
In five of the incidents, thieves stole car keys from lockers and made off with vehicles.
One wallet theft also led to a case of identity fraud.
“Somebody's license was stolen, and then used accordingly in a different type of crime,” Burroughs said.
Some 25 of the locker thefts have been classified as theft under $5,000.
Police are working to identify some of the thieves through security video footage taken when thieves used stolen property, such as credit cards, at retail locations.
But “[there is] nothing that I can disclose at this point about any arrests being made,” Burroughs said.
RCMP are cautioning the public to not leave any valuables in unlocked or unattended lockers or locker rooms.
Don’t bring unnecessary items with you, says an RCMP press release.
Use “designated valuable lockers” for storing wallets, keys and jewellery.
“Combination locks are not entirely safe and can be opened in under a minute. However if you have no other lock, it’s better than an unlocked locker,” the release says. “If using a code, cover your code when inputting it so others cannot see.”
If you have any information on any crime, you are asked to contact the St. Albert RCMP at 780-458-7700 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
