RELATED: Crime spree includes theft of Fairfield Twp. police vehicle
Police are investigating the thefts, but can’t confirm if they are connected at this time, said Fairfield police Officer Doug Day.
“They’re opportunists,” said Day. “Take away the opportunity, you don’t have a crime.”
Investigators cannot identify yet the suspect, or suspects, responsible for the Planet Fitness thefts because surveillance footage acquired was not usable, according to Day.
But the suspect in the YMCA thefts sat waiting in a black SUV before acting.
“In the YMCA theft, they sat and waited for someone and they struck,” he said.
The Journal-News has reached out to the YMCA and Planet Fitness, but calls were not returned before deadline.
WATCH: Help ID this thief breaking into cars in Warren County
Thefts from vehicles ranks second among crimes in the city. The top crime is shoplifting.
In 2016, there were 273 shoplifting incidents and 233 thefts from vehicles. In 2015, there were 274 shoplifting reports and 223 thefts from vehicles.
Overall thefts in the city have declined in recent years, according to crime statistics. There were 866 total thefts in 2016, which was down from 929 in 2015. There were more than 1,000 thefts in 2013.
Day said flyers will be posted at the locations and placed on cars regarding the recent thefts and reminding people to secure their valuables.
Anyone with information about thefts at either location is asked to call Fairfield police Sgt. Pete Lagemann at 513-896-8246.
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