Hundreds of Cars Stolen from Melbourne Gyms in Six Months

Gym-goers in Melbourne's southeast are being warned to secure their belongings after a significant spate of vehicle thefts. Victoria Police reported that 250 cars were stolen from gym parking lots and facilities between November 2025 and April 2026. More than half of these thefts occurred in the Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia areas.

Authorities have identified a concerning trend where young offenders, some as young as 13, gain access to gyms by tailgating members. Once inside, they target unattended lockers or open storage areas to steal car keys. These stolen vehicles are often subsequently used by the young perpetrators to commit further crimes.

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They're more often than not used to aid further criminality, where offenders try to fly under the radar of police to commit serious and violent crimes.

Victoria Police has issued specific advice to gym patrons, emphasizing the need to secure keys and valuables. Recommendations include using lockers, avoiding open storage cubes, and being vigilant about preventing unauthorized entry at gym entrances. Parking in well-lit areas with CCTV coverage is also advised.

Several incidents highlight the brazen nature of these thefts. In one case, a boy stole a car from a Glen Iris gym and returned two days later to steal another. He and three others were arrested after a high-speed chase. In another, four teenage girls, including a 13-year-old, stole keys from lockers at a Clyde North gym; three remain at large. A 15-year-old was arrested after stealing keys from a Burwood gym and using the stolen vehicle in connection with a factory fire.

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Most of these car thefts are preventable, and we're asking gym-goers to take really simple measures before working out to decrease your chance of having your car stolen while you exercise.