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Cars outside 4 Medford gyms targeted by thieves

MEDFORD, Mass. — A string of robberies in the Medford area, all of them.. Involving car break-ins outside of gyms.

Many people at Crunch Fitness told Boston 25 News they often will leave items locked inside their cars so they don’t have to bring them inside, but that is now leading to problems.

“I think the perception is that it's more easily stolen inside the gym,” gym-goer Steve Mortell said.

One woman said she went inside Crunch Fitness for a workout Wednesday, 45 minutes later she went out to her car for a water and discovered she had been robbed.

“I noticed my window broken, and it was broad daylight when I realized my pocketbook was stolen,” the woman said.

Medford police said at least four gyms in the city were hit. The thieves stole handbags, cash and other items.

“I know it's been posted that you know the club is not responsible for your belongings, for your car, and to remind people to lock their cars,” Zumba instructor Ingrid LaSalle said.

Locking your car is important, but it’s a lot easier for a thief to break a car window without attracting much attention than it is for them to break into a locked locker.

“Any valuables I have I take with me and I lock them in the locker but I have a super heavy-duty lock,” one gym-goer said.