An alleged robber dressed in active clothing who was stealing bags, personal belongings and even cars from gyms in South East Queensland continues to flee from police.
Now, more than a dozen gyms and their clients claim to have been victims.
Detective Sergeant Mark Mooney of the Cleveland Police Station has said A Current Affair police are actively pursuing the lady with lycra.
Chief Detective Sergeant Mark Mooney of the Cleveland Police Station. (A topical issue)
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“Police are currently investigating 18 burglary offenses, in which the woman has entered the gym, basically entering customers and then pointing out her personal belongings once in the gym,” Mooney said.
Mooney also confirmed that the alleged thief is known to the Queensland police service.
“We are currently deploying methodologies to locate her, but we actively know who she is and are actively seeking her arrest,” Mooney said.
The woman seen on CCTV at Snap Fitness Milton. (A topical issue)
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The alleged wave of gym thief crimes began on May 26 when Matthew Bennett’s car and belongings were stolen from Jetts Fitness Woolloongabba.
Later that night at 7 p.m., a phone and a wallet were allegedly taken from Jetts Fitness Annerley, before another wallet disappeared from Snap Fitness Manly West, leading to a series of bank transactions at a 7-Eleven near.
The next day at 9:30 a.m., Vincent Van Zijl’s bag and belongings were allegedly stolen from Snap Fitness Milton.
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Police say the alleged thief also hit gyms in Richlands, Sinnamon Park, Salisbury, Indooroopilly and Hamilton.
Harrison Priebe is waiting for the accused woman to be caught before she can do more harm, after her possessions were stolen while she was training at Jetts Fitness Annerley.
“His gym clothes and everything suggests exercising, but really his intentions were to steal people’s possessions,” Priebe said.
His phone and wallet were allegedly taken from Jetts Fitness Annerley, just minutes after Bennett’s car was taken from Woolloongabba, near Brisbane CBD.
Harrison Priebe. (A topical issue)
I was standing next to her, seconds after I grabbed her, you know, there is no one wiser, “Priebe said.
Harrison said he realized he was the victim of the same crossings after watching A Current Affair.
“Knowing he was the same person is very cheeky and I hope he is aware and surrendered, but I have my doubts,” Priebe suggested.
Brian, who will not reveal his full identity out of fear, was allegedly robbed of his new car on June 3 while training at his local Gold Coast gym.
The woman seen on CCTV at Snap Fitness Milton. (A topical issue)
“I heard a knock on the door, it was like midnight, it was raining,” he said.
According to Brian, the alleged thief told him he had left his gym card inside and he agreed to let it in.
Brian continued his training before he felt that something was wrong.
“She looked gloomy, so I started walking towards her and then when I got halfway through her, about five feet away from her, she did the locking with my nails,” Brian said.
The alleged thief and a male escort are accused of driving with Brian’s car that had most of his belongings inside.
The woman seen on CCTV on 7-Eleven. (A topical issue)
“They knocked out the window, threatened me with a shiv, said they were going to stab me, and then they almost hit me with my car,” Brian said.
“I have to start from scratch, I had literally half my life inside this car.”
Police said the last known crime was on June 5, suggesting the alleged cardio thief could now be interstate.
“We remind gymnasts to make sure their property is insured and also to consider, or consider who they allow to enter gyms, especially at night or during periods of peak activity,” Mooney said.
For those who have information, call Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
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