Crooks are targeting gym-goers' vehicles while they work out, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.
A warning was posted on CCSO's Facebook page warning residents they are working on "several vehicle break-ins," where suspects smashed vehicle windows to go after valuables.
"You're going to be in there for a while so as soon as you go in they know you're going to be in there for at least an hour," said Misty Fuentes, attends Second Chance Fitness in Port Charlotte.
Second Chance Fitness along Kings Highway is one of the locations a car was broken into. Fuentes told Fox 4 she has even noticed strange behavior in the parking lot recently.
"He was just walking around being very suspicious so I kinda waited until somebody else pulled up and was walking with me and I brought my purse in with me and made sure that I locked my car," said Fuentes.
A car parked at Around the Clock Fitness in 1000 block of Tamiami Trail was also targeted.
"She was parked right out in front of the gym and someone came and I guess broke into her car and took her wallet," said a gym-goer.
Authorities say thieves are going after busy parking lots where they expect you to leave behind valuables. According to investigators thieves are also going after daycares, public parks and even churches.
"I've just been making sure that I lock my car door and watching the people that are around me," said Misty Fuentes.
