Hundreds of cars stolen from Melbourne gyms in six-month-period

In a six-month period between November 2025 and April 2026, Victoria Police reported that 250 vehicles were stolen from gyms located in Melbourne's south-east region. Acting Senior Sergeant Benita Pringle revealed that offenders as young as 13 are targeting these facilities, sneaking in to steal car keys while patrons are exercising. The thefts are becoming a significant concern for authorities, as the stolen vehicles are often repurposed by young offenders to commit additional crimes.

Police have identified several patterns in these incidents. Many of the thieves tailgate gym members into the facilities, then steal keys from unattended lockers or open storage cubes. For instance, in late November, two 14-year-old girls were critically injured in Chadstone after crashing a car that had allegedly been stolen from a gym. Police are urging gym-goers to secure their belongings in lockers, avoid using open storage cubes, and park in well-lit areas with CCTV surveillance to deter opportunistic thieves.

In response to the surge in car thefts, Victoria Police has teamed up with local fitness centers to crack down on offenders and hold them accountable for their actions. The police are reminding gym patrons to remain vigilant, report any suspicious behavior, and take simple precautions to protect their vehicles while working out. Anyone with information regarding these thefts is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers at 1800 333 000.