​Here at your health club, your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. Recently, Victoria Police issued an urgent public warning regarding a significant spike in vehicle thefts targeting fitness clubs, particularly across Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs. To ensure our community remains safe, we are sharing this information directly from local authorities.

The Rising Trend in Melbourne

According to local police intelligence, approximately 250 vehicles were stolen from fitness facility carparks across Melbourne’s southeast between November 2025 and April 2026. Victoria Police note that more than half of these incidents occurred in suburbs across Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia.

How are offenders getting in?

Police report that opportunistic thieves (often youth offenders) are gaining entry to 24-hour and secure facilities through a method known as "tailgating". This occurs when individuals without valid access passes follow legitimate members through secure doors. Once inside, these offenders target car keys left unattended in change-rooms, open storage shelves, and unsecured lockers.

The Broader Community Impact

These thefts are not just about stolen property; they have serious consequences for the wider community. Victoria Police warn that stolen vehicles are frequently used to aid in further, often violent, criminality.

Recent incidents across Melbourne highlight how quickly a stolen set of keys can escalate:

• In Glen Iris, a teen tailgated a member into a gym, stole keys, and drove off in a Holden Cruze. It is alleged the same teen returned two days later to steal a Mazda 2, leading to a high-speed police pursuit.
• In Clyde North, four teenage girls tailgated a member to gain entry, stealing two sets of keys from the locker area before fleeing in a Haval Jolion.
• In Noble Park, two youths followed a member inside and stole the keys to a Mercedes Benz straight from the changerooms.

What Victoria Police Recommends

Victoria Police are urging all gym operators and members to partner with them by taking these simple, proactive measures:

1. Stop the Tailgaters: Close the door securely behind you. Do not open the door for others, and direct anyone without a pass to speak with a staff member.
2. Secure Your Valuables: Keep your car keys, wallet, and phone with you, or lock them in a secure locker. Avoid using open storage cubes or unlocked shelving.
3. Park Smart: Whenever possible, park your vehicle in well-lit locations near the entry or in areas clearly covered by CCTV cameras.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you witness suspicious behaviour, report it to our staff or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

We are continually reviewing our security protocols to ensure a safe training environment for everyone. By staying vigilant and following this police advice, we can shut the door on opportunistic crime.