Thieves Target High-End Gym in New York City, Steal Credit Cards Causing Loss of $83,000

In the past month, three high-end gym locker theft cases have occurred in New York City, including at Lifetime Gym and Equinox gym. The perpetrators targeted members’ personal belongings, especially phones and credit cards, and quickly engaged in large-scale credit card fraud, with each transaction amounting to tens of thousands of dollars.

According to police analysis, these are organized crime groups specifically targeting high-end gym members, exploiting security vulnerabilities in gym locker systems. At least three similar cases have occurred in different precincts of New York City, including the 78th precinct, the 13th precinct, and the 20th precinct.

On December 17, 2024, at 3:45 pm, three suspects broke into the Brooklyn Lifetime Gym locker room, stealing phones and wallets, subsequently committing credit card fraud totaling $27,000.

On January 3 of this year, at 12:30 pm, two suspects used the same method to steal property at Equinox gym in Manhattan, leading to $26,000 in credit card fraud.

On January 15 at 11:55 am, two suspects entered the Equinox gym on Columbus Avenue, stole items from victims, then fled in a white Mercedes-Benz, resulting in $30,000 worth of credit card fraud.

Police have obtained some surveillance footage and are asking the public for information. They also remind citizens to securely store valuables at the gym to avoid becoming the next target. Anyone with information is urged to call the city police crime stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-8477 or submit tips to the NYPD Tips account on the X platform. All information will be kept strictly confidential.