Security review for leisure centres

Both the Kirkintilloch and Allander gyms have been ‘targeted’ in the last few weeks with items being stolen from locker rooms.

Two members at the Allander had their wallets stolen from lockers while a Seat EXEO was taken from outside the Kirkintilloch gym last week.

Police say a 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incidents.

However, concerns remain over the ease with which members property had been taken in the first place.

Stephen Kane, a long-time member of the Allander gym, said: “ The lockers at the gym are not good enough; it only takes two seconds to break them open.

“The place isn’t monitored at all and anyone can walk straight in and up to the private members’ area. There is simply no excuse for that.

“The owners should be doing more to warn members that someone has been rattling the place over the last few weeks.

“I think it’s important that people heading to these places that they shouldn’t use the lockers there. They should keep everything in their car and keep their keys with them.”

In response, East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLC), the body which administers the gyms, say they will now review their security procedures.

Mark Grant, general manager of EDLC, said: “Locker security in each of the three leisure centres is currently being reviewed in conjunction with the police.

“We would ask any customer who sees an individual or individuals acting in a suspicious manner on Trust premises to report the issue immediately to a member of staff.

“Ensuring the safety and security of our customers and their belongings is a priority for the Trust in all its premises.”

Constable Alex Moore, community liaison officer with East Dunbartonshire police, added: “We would like to warn those criminals who are intent on persistent offending in East Dunbartonshire will be targeted, investigated and apprehended in the fullness of time.

“We are also providing crime prevention advice to enhance security at venues which may have been subject to crime.”