The thieves are believed to be part of a network connected to similar crimes across the western U.S.
BEAVERTON, Oregon — Police in Beaverton are warning residents about an organized theft ring targeting gyms and fitness centers by breaking into lockers and stealing credit cards from patrons.
The suspects move quickly after the thefts, often making large purchases at nearby retailers before victims realize their cards have been stolen, authorities said.
Officer Matt Henderson said the scheme is especially concerning because the victims take typical safety precautions by locking their belongings in gym lockers.
“People are taking their personal belongings in, they are putting them into lockers in the gym, they are locking them and they are going to work out. This crew has figured out how to pop these lockers open,” Henderson said.
Investigators said the suspects are specifically targeting credit cards while leaving wallets behind, allowing them additional time before victims notice the thefts. Police said the group has used stolen cards at stores including Costco and Best Buy.
“Within 30 minutes they have already committed this crime, they have already racked up potentially tens of thousands of dollars worth of debt or criminal activity on this person’s credit card,” Henderson explained.
Police highlighted one case from April 30 in which three men allegedly stole a credit card from a Beaverton gym before quickly opening a Costco membership using the victim’s personal information. The suspects then used the stolen card to purchase nearly $19,000 worth of gold bars from a Costco store in Beaverton.
Authorities described the suspects as Eastern European men, and believe they may be connected to similar theft and fraud cases across the western United States.
Police urge gym-goers to avoid bringing physical credit cards to workouts, when possible, and instead use digital payment methods such as Apple Pay.
“If you can get your ability to purchase things on your phone or on your watch, that’s a lot harder for criminals to steal,” Henderson said.
Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information about the theft ring is asked to contact Beaverton police through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111, or email Detective Mat Groshong at mathewgroshong@beavertonoregon.gov.