Raleigh police investigate break-ins at local health clubs
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Raleigh police are investigating a rash of break-ins at local health clubs.
The most recent crimes happened March 20 at the Fitness Connection at 4120 Main at North Hills. Raleigh police say six victims were targeted including Shawn Wilson.
Wilson rarely takes his valuables to the gym, but that day, he did, carefully locking them up inside a locker before his workout.
"I went to leave about 7:15 p.m. and noticed my bags weren't in the locker I put them in," said Wilson.
He discovered his lock had been cut and everything inside was stolen.
"It looked like someone either had a tool or they must have used a sham to release the lock," he said. "Come to find out there was about five of us total who had our things taken, valuables, keys, identification. I didn't think it would happen to that many people in a prime time in a gym like that that's busy most of the time."
It is not the first time the Fitness Connection at North Hills has been targeted.
In February, Raleigh police arrested 28-year-old Brian Dunn for thefts at the same location.
In some case, authorities say Dunn stole valuables right out of patrons' lockers.
In other instances, investigators say Dunn swiped keys from the gym's cubbies then stole items from inside vehicles.
Dunn bonded out of jail, but police say he struck again.
On March 5, patrons at the Planet Fitness at 4701 Atlantic Avenue reported similar break-ins.
Dunn was arrested in those crimes after he was spotted by a Cary police officer near the Planet Fitness in Cary Towne Center.
Last week, police received reports of Dunn tampering with vehicles at Shelley Lake in Raleigh.
So far, police have not connected Dunn to the March 20 thefts at the Fitness Connection at North Hills.
They are currently investigating similar thefts at the Fitness Connection-Raleigh/Celebration at 7339 Six Forks Rd.
ABC11 reached out to management at Fitness Connection to request an interview but did not hear back.
Wilson said his emails to the company have not been returned.
"I know things get stolen I was just looking for an 'I'm sorry' or a solution," he said.
He is warning other gym patrons not to take any chances with their valuables.
"Have common sense and assume that could happen to you," said Wilson.
