Austin, September 9, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Police Department (APD) is issuing a warning to gym-goers regarding a spike in locker room thefts, primarily involving thieves using temporary day passes. Victims have reported stolen personal items, including credit cards and passports. APD detectives are investigating these incidents, urging vigilance among gym members, and advising against bringing valuable items to the gym. Community cooperation is encouraged to assist in addressing this troubling trend, following a notable incident where a Rolex watch was stolen at a local gym.
Austin Police Department (APD) is warning gym-goers about a rising trend of thefts occurring in locker rooms, primarily involving temporary day pass memberships taken out by thieves. These criminals are specifically exploiting these memberships to steal valuable personal items from unsuspecting individuals at fitness centers throughout the city.
According to APD Detective Shawn Green, victims have reported missing essential items, including credit cards, drivers’ licenses, and passports. The department is actively investigating this trend and is utilizing various tools to identify suspects, including reviewing membership sign-up information and monitoring surveillance footage from inside the gyms.
The APD is in the process of compiling data to determine the frequency and locations of these thefts and when this alarmingly new trend began. Before this warning, many local gyms, including Hyde Park Gym, reported being previously unaware of such criminal behavior in their locker rooms but are now on high alert for suspicious activities.
In particular, staff at Hyde Park Gym expressed the necessity of engaging with any individuals exhibiting odd behavior, emphasizing that it is crucial to handle such interactions with both caution and politeness.
Another notable theft incident occurred on September 27 at Downtown Austin’s Lifetime Fitness, where a Rolex watch valued at approximately $15,000 was stolen from a locker. The suspect in this case is described as a White male between 5’8″ and 6′ tall, weighing between 160-180 pounds, aged 50-60, sporting a short grey beard and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and a black hat.
As the APD intensifies their efforts to crack down on locker room thefts, they invite the public to assist in these investigations. Individuals with tips regarding the Rolex theft or any suspicious activities in gyms are encouraged to contact the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program or call 512-472-8477. Those providing valuable information may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
To prevent falling victim to similar crimes, Detective Green advises gym-goers to consider leaving valuable personal items at home or securely placing them in their vehicle’s trunk before entering the gym. The APD’s ongoing investigation, combined with community vigilance and awareness, is essential to maintaining the safety and security of gym facilities in Austin.
Summary of Theft Incidents
| Date | Location | Items Stolen | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 27 | Lifetime Fitness, Downtown Austin | Rolex watch valued at $15,000 | Suspect described as White male, 5’8″ to 6′, aged 50-60 |
| Ongoing | Various gyms in Austin | Credit cards, driver’s licenses, passports | Thieves using temporary gym memberships |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recent trend of thefts in Austin gyms?
Thieves are using temporary gym memberships to access locker rooms and steal personal items, including credit cards and passports.
What precautions should gym-goers take?
Gym-goers are advised to leave valuable items at home or securely store them in their vehicle’s trunk to avoid theft.
How can the public assist in the investigations?
Individuals can submit anonymous tips regarding suspicious activities at gyms or details about specific theft incidents through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Robbery
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Gym Theft
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Gym Security
- FOX 32 Chicago
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Prevention
- Click On Detroit
- Google News: Gym Crimes
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
