The Beaverton Police Department is warning the public about an organized theft crew believed to be operating throughout at least five western states by targeting gyms, fitness centers, and workout facilities.
The group’s method of operation involves stealing wallets, credit cards, and personal belongings from gym patrons while they are working out. The suspects then quickly travel to nearby retail stores, commonly Costco and Best Buy, where they rapidly make large purchases before victims realize their cards have been stolen or are able to cancel them.
The suspects often target high-value items including electronics, gold bars, and jewelry.
An April 30th case in Beaverton involved three male suspects who investigators believe are connected to this organized theft crew. In that incident, a victim’s credit card information was stolen after the victim visited a gym in Beaverton.
Investigators learned one of the suspects fraudulently obtained a Costco membership using the victim’s identity before the group used the stolen credit card to purchase $18,759.96 worth of gold bars from a Costco store in Beaverton.
The suspects are described as Eastern European males, and investigators believe they may be involved in similar theft and fraud cases throughout the western United States.
Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Beaverton Police Department through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or email Detective Mat Groshong at mathewgroshong@beavertonoregon.gov.
Source: Beaverton Police