Guest Author - Bonnie Sayers

Almost two weeks ago there was a string of thefts within the locker room at the health club I belong to. I did not hear about this through the club itself, but on the local news several days later. I find this unacceptable and wanted to investigate further.

The health club is 24 Hour Fitness, which has listed on their website that they are not responsible for lost or stolen items from the locker room. This is the same note that is placed on the inside of the lockers.

"LOCKERS - 24 Hour Fitness provides lockers for your use on a daily basis only and suggests that you use a lock to protect your property. Do not leave any valuable property in a locker at any time. 24 Hour Fitness is not responsible for any theft of, or damage to your property. If you leave a lock on the locker overnight, 24 Hour Fitness has the right to cut it off. 24 Hour Fitness will consider your property abandoned if left overnight. If you leave your property overnight, 24 Hour Fitness shall have the right to donate your property to charity." Policies and Procedures

This particular location that I frequent four times a week was recently closed for two months to remodel the locker rooms. There is a super sport facility two blocks away that members were allowed to utilize during this time period. I belong to all clubs so can continue with any facility, but choose this location since they have more ab machines than other clubs.

The thefts occured on a Sunday morning and made the eleven PM news the following Thursday evening. It turns out that both locations within a few blocks of each other were hit at the same time. Both the men's and women's locker rooms were targeted. I never did get a time this took place, but did learn that the locks were cut off.

My first reaction is that this had to be an inside job. I learned the following week when I told other members about the incidents that there were thefts at this location one and two years prior, with one being an employee responsible for the crimes.

I was at the health club the next day with no inclination that something had taken place the morning before. I never noticed any security or notices informing the membership of these incidents. To make matters worse, I learned that the thefts resulted in further crimes besides taking the property from the lockers. A few cars were also stolen and a house was burglarized.

This led to my research. I am curious to know if an employee turns out to be responsible does this absolve the health club of their responsibility since they have a sign posted in the locker and online? Shouldn't the victims know if the perpetrator is an employee or someone who was contracted to do work on the locker rooms during the remodeling?

Can you turn around and sue the company for not properly screening their employees and can you get background information on said employee? If thefts are occurring every year in the same location shouldn't they be responsible for upgrading the security and notifying the membership of these risks. A note in the locker room is not adequate when this happens on a regular basis. These are all topics to ponder when considering a health club membership.

I searched around trying to find out more about these thefts, but could not locate anything. It seems that health clubs can get insurance to cover injuries and accidents, fire and professional liability. Personal trainers and yoga instructors can obtain insurance. Fitness Insurance and Sports Fitness.

I highly suggest that those who are members of a health club and utilize the locker room to carry their purse, wallet and keys with them. I have started this practice and find it not that difficult to follow.

When I was a member of a jury panel this past summer I learned of a theft of a purse in a locker room while the member was over at the sink washing hands. Most of the other panel members of this jury stated they were victims of crimes. When the Judge asked each of the respondents to being a victim of crime on the outcome of the investigation, every single person stated they were never caught.

It is a horrible feeling to come home and find your house burglarized and I cannot imagine having my belongings stolen from the locker room and then having my vehicle stolen or my home burlgarized afterwards. Identity theft is another area of concern everyone needs to be aware of. Take only the bare essentials with you when going out on errands and utilize a fire safe box and/or the safety deposit box at your Financial Institution.

I poured over my Renter's policy with Allstate and cannot find something specific to locker room theft, but did note this as a loss not covered:

" The failure by any insured person to take all reasonable steps to save and preserve property when the property is endangered by a cause of loss We cover."

This specifically is stated for BH&M, a leading Home Insurer in Bermuda, " Section E. Sports - Your personal effects, such as clothing and accessories, are insured for up to $250 when they are stored in a locked room or sports locker."

There are so many instances where you will come to rely on Insurance that consumers need to make every effort to watch their personal belongings and not take risks with their property. This means not leaving a child in a running car while in your driveway, or any place for that matter. Locking your car and carrying your purse when you go to pay for gas or use the ATM.

With the holidays upon us now is the time that more thefts will be occuring as we all are taking on more errands and rushing from here to there to get it all done in a timely manner. Be cautious online when reading emails and shopping. Do not click on any link and forward all phishing emails to spam@uce.gov

Now is the time to check and make sure your insurance coverage is adequate and make changes as the need arises.

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