LOCKER ROOM BANDIT—The man suspected in thefts from numerous gym lockers is shown in a fitness center in Santa Barbara. An ordinary-looking man is suspected of burglarizing lockers at about 15 separate 24 Hour Fitness locations throughout Southern California.

According to police, the first incident occurred early in 2008. His last alleged offense was in T.O. on Dec. 30. In that incident, he was chased into the parking lot by employees but escaped.

His method of operation is to enter the gym using his last victim's membership card. He enters the locker room, breaks into a locker and steals the victim's wallet or other possessions. The thief has been known to stay in a locker room for up to two hours, apparently looking for someone with features similar to his.

After the theft, the thief immediately uses the victim's credit cards at local establishments and probably shows the victim's ID when requested, police allege.

"Gym lockers are a place with low traffic where thieves hang around waiting for an opportunity. Sometimes they remove locks; sometimes people just leave their stuff without using a lock," Detective Eric Buschow said.

Being aware of surroundings will help people prevent similar crimes just by observing who's watching them, he said.

Anyone with information regarding this person should contact Detective Brian Sawicki at bsawicki@sbpd.com.

—Nancy Needham