Boston police warn of car thieves stealing keys to unlocked gym lockers

Boston police are warning residents to lock up their belongings after “several” cars were stolen while owners train at local gyms.

Police say thieves steal cars by taking keys to unlocked lockers as they use gyms and health centers in the city.

The suspects, who are usually minors, enter gyms by creating day passes using false information or simply asking to use the restroom, police said in a news release.

Once inside, police say, the thieves search for unlocked lockers and rummage through people’s belongings, steal car keys and other valuables, then use the keys to steal nearby cars.

Police said it was unclear if the Boston robberies were related to each other or if they were related to similar robberies that occurred in other cities and towns in the Boston area.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of such a crime or has information about the thefts is asked to contact the BPD Auto Theft Unit at 617-343-4430.