Daylight robbery at Virgin Active Ballito

While the music was pumping and the sweat dripping at the Virgin Active in Ballito last week Friday between 8am and 9am, a robber helped himself to some gym members’ valuables, locked away in the changing room lockers.

A Ballito couple, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, were busy with a training session when admin staff announced their vehicle registration over the speakers.

The couple were told that someone had tried to steal their car, but failed, and their car keys were found next to the car in the parking lot.

“We were so shocked, because my husband uses a combination lock for the bathroom lockers where he kept the car keys,” said the wife.

The husband’s cellphone was also stolen.

While the couple were talking to branch manager Marko Marais, another victim informed them that his wallet, cellphone and passport had been stolen.

The couple opened a case at Umhlali SAPS and requested to see video footage, but the manager said he cannot show them the footage as the matter is under investigation.

Virgin Active’s head of strategic communications, Les Aupiais, said they take any incidents of theft extremely seriously.

“We really regret the distress this has caused as we want our members to train in the securest possible environment,” said Aupiais, who assured that they will do their best to limit incidents like these.

“We do not have widespread theft in clubs on a national level, but should we detect any ‘hot spots’, we immediately place the particular club on alert, contact the SAPS and in co-operation with them and external security companies, heighten security awareness.”

Aupiais said Virgin Active urge members, who have experienced any theft, to open a case at their nearest police station.

As for requesting CCTV footage, members can do so with a subpoena as the video surveillance is only retained by the club to protect other members’ privacy.

“With regards to the recent Ballito incident, we believe that the theft may be the work of an individual using multiple identities, making it extremely difficult to pre-empt his activities,” said Aupiais, and the case was handed over to the head office for their urgent attention.

“We will be consulting SAPS on a national level for their assistance.”

As gym members would know it is no fun doing your squats and lunges with a backpack, Aupiais said they urge members at all times to make use of the valuables locker facility which is under constant CCTV cameras near the reception area, a system that offers members a high level of security.