Man loses his pants and identity while working out
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

A man stole another man's pants and everything in the pockets before going on a crime spree at a dozen or more businesses near Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

After finishing a 40-minute workout at 24 Hour Fitness in Thousand Oaks at around 1 p.mSun., June 3, Mauricio Guzman returned to his locker and found the lock protecting his valuables had been broken off. No longer inside were his blue jeans, cellphone, prescription eyeglasses and wallet with six credit cards.

While he was talking to the police, he said, he contacted his wife and asked her to cancel his credicards. When he got home, he learned the credit card companies would only stop the cards at his- the cardholder's- request.

By the time he called them himself, more than $2,600 in charges had been rung up in stores within walking distance from the gym, he said.

Hundreds of dollars were spenat a surf store and a golf store. Chili's restaurant was one of the stops as was the Macaroni Grill next door. More than $100 in gift certificates were purchased, Guzman said. Within a couple of hours purchases were also made at Sports Authority, Barnes & Noble, Restoration Hardware, Verizon Wireless, Starbucks, the Mann Theatres and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

The man suspected of the crimes is described by police as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 165 pounds, black hair, 35 years old. Some of the retailers who remember the suspect described him wearing Guzman's prescription glasses. Some said the suspect told them he was buying gifts for his niece, according to Guzman.

"Who would want someone else's prescription glasses?" Guzman asked.

One of the credit cards stopped working after red flags went up at the credit card company.

"When one card wouldn't work because the credit card company stopped it for suspicious use, he pulled out another one of my cards and used that one to finish the purchase," Guzman said. "This is a shocking situation."

"Detectives are reviewing surveillance tapes at this time," said Capt. Tim Hagel of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

This is a crime that happens at every gym, he said.

"The public needs to be made aware they should leave their valuables at home (whenever possible) when they go to the gym," Hagel said.

Gym patrons should keep their wallets with them when they work out and, if they must leave things in their car, be sure to lock them in the trunk or glove compartment, Hagel warned. Car window smashing is also a common crime when valuables are left where thieves can see them, he said. Even a cellphone on the seat is a sign to criminals there are probably more goodies inside, he said.

One should always pay attention to their surroundings. Gym thieves are watching potential targets, so people need to look and see if there is someone watching them.

"Report if there is anyone suspicious loitering in the locker room," Hagel said.