Uncovered: Gyms as Hotspots for Vehicle Theft

Warning Issued by Victorian Authorities After Surge in Vehicle Thefts from Gyms

Authorities in Victoria have issued a caution to the public following an increase in car thefts from gyms in the Melbourne area. The thieves have been targeting open storage shelves to steal car keys while gym-goers are busy working out.

Between November 2025 and April 2026, approximately 250 vehicles were reported stolen from gym carparks in Melbourne’s southeast. More than half of these incidents occurred in the cities of Casey, Cardinia, and Greater Dandenong, according to Victoria Police.

The spike in crime has been attributed to youth offenders, with several teenagers currently under investigation for being in possession of the stolen cars. Police believe that these individuals are gaining access to fitness centers by ‘tailgating’ members and then helping themselves to unsecured car keys, wallets, and other valuables.

Acting Senior Sergeant Benita Pringle from the Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia Proactive Policing Unit expressed concern over the issue, stating, “We’ve recently seen the consequences of cars stolen from gyms and being driven by youths.”

She added, “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. We’re asking gym-goers to exercise caution, to be aware and report suspicious behavior.”

As of March 2026, car theft in Victoria has nearly doubled over a three-year period, with 32,000 reports filed in 2025 alone.

MORE: Q&A with car security professional John Savino