Prince George RCMP is issuing a warning to those who typically leave their belongings insecure when in communal change rooms, after several recent incidents that have resulted in personal loss to the victims.

All the incidents have occurred in local fitness centres, with women’s purses or bags being targeted. In two of the incidents, the bags were left out in the open inside of the change room, while one incident occurred when the belongings were not locked up securely inside the locker. 

In addition to wallets and other personal belongings being taken, in two of the incidents the victims’ cars have been stolen from the adjacent parking lots.

“These are targeted acts, in that the suspect or suspect(s) know what they are looking for and know how to gain access to these items. The thefts are done quickly, while the belongings are unattended. We’re reminding anyone who uses a communal locker room, whether it’s at a fitness centre or the local pool, to lock up your belongings securely so you are not the victim of a similar incident,” states Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for Prince George RCMP .

Investigators are also encouraging members of the public to report all theft-related incidents to police, as this information is essential in helping identify suspects and detect any emerging patterns or trends.

These investigations remain ongoing.