Date: 30/1/07
Author: Lauren Brooks
Source: Reading.com

Police are warning about a trendy new target for Redding burglars -- cars parked in fitness center lots.

Some fitness centers have put up security cameras and posted signs reminding gym members to lock cars and put valuables in lockers or leave them home. The tips are common sense, but fitness center employees said some people need a reminder.

Statistics from Redding police show no vehicle break-ins were reported at fitness centers from June to December. But Sgt. John Ostrowski said there have been a few break-ins at several fitness centers this month.

During the past two weeks, three or four cars have been broken into at the Shasta Family YMCA on North Court Street, CEO James Finck said. In each case, he said, the thief smashed the window to grab a purse left on the seat.

Since then, employees have posted signs throughout the center warning people not to leave valuables in cars. Employees also put up security cameras in the back parking lot and take turns walking through the lot, he said.

"There's no doubt that we have some very concerned members," Finck said. "We're concerned, too."

At Redding Fitness Center on California Street, three cars have been broken into over the past two to three weeks, said Pierre De Waal, who runs the center's front desk and weight room.

A few days ago, a woman who had gone to the center almost daily left her purse in her BMW. The window was smashed and her purse was stolen. De Waal said he hasn't seen her since.

De Waal said center administrators are discussing installing security cameras and that police are patrolling the area more often. Employees encourage people to lock valuables in the fitness centers' lockers, he said.

About eight months ago, security cameras were installed outside Sun Oaks Tennis & Fitness on Argyle Road. It hasn't had any car break-ins since, Manager Stephanie Isaacs said. The seen a few car break-ins in the past.

But Isaacs thinks burglars aren't targeting only fitness centers, rather that they're going after cars in any parking lot, such as grocery stores and movie theaters, she said.

Cat Bauch, assistant manager of Fit One Athletic Club, agreed.

In November 2005, someone broke into Bauch's car while she was parked at the post office on Yuba Street. She had hidden her purse under the driver's seat and gone inside to drop a letter in the delivery slot, she said. When she came back, her car window was broken and her purse was gone.

"It was so fast," she said. "They had to be watching me."

In early January, a woman parked outside Fit One on Park Marina Drive also lost her purse when she left it in her car, Bauch said.

Fit One has lights, but no security cameras, and Bauch doesn't think they would be effective when it's dark.

When car break-ins get out of hand, Redding police do what they can, Ostrowski said. Officers patrol parking lots in undercover cars. They set up stings to catch potential burglars. And they remind people to lock their cars and take valuables with them.

Parking in well-lit areas also helps, Ostrowski said, adding, "Burglars don't care to be seen."

Reporter Lauren Brooks can be reached at 225-8215 or at lbrooks@redding.com.

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