Police looking for thieves who targeted gym members' cars

Florida — Goshen police are looking for the thieves who broke into nine cars last Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 22, in the parking lots of Sports, Fitness, and Fun and Primo Sports in Florida. According to Officer Luke Markiewicz, three of the vehicles were accessed using a device that punches the window, causing a spider-web type break. The rest had their locks picked. Stolen were wallets and purses with credit cards and cash, cell phones and garage door openers, among other items. “They knew what they were doing,” said Markiewicz, noting that the thieves were interested in specific items. “Lots of stuff was left.” Markiewicz said a retired New York City police officer was one of the victims. Her pistol permit, identification and cell phone were stolen. When a couple of car alarms went off, a worker from an adjacent building noticed a car leaving the parking lot. That is basically the only tip police are working with. Markiewicz said he has heard from a Poughkeepsie police officer, who told him that hitting gym parking lots is the newest thing for thieves. “People leave everything in their car when they go to a gym,” said Markiewicz. “My recommendation is to leave everything home. Just bring the essentials if you are going to the gym and then right home. Or else take everything into the gym with you.” Anyone with information on these thefts should call the Town of Goshen Police Department at 845-294-9555.