Area police warn residents of national theft ring targeting local gyms

A nationwide theft ring recently targeted gyms in our area and police said this was a well-organized crime spree.

“It was very very upsetting,” said victim Hayley Ettaro.

Hayley Ettaro is one of many victims in a string of car break-ins outside gyms across our region.

After her Cyclebar class at Robinson Town Centre on February 3rd, she found her car window shattered, glass everywhere and her valuables gone.

“They took my purse that had earphones in there, about $200 in cash, my license, credit cards and any gift cards estimating to $500 worth,” said Ettaro.

Several locked cars outside other local gyms were hit recently too at the Orangetheory gyms in Wexford, Upper Saint Clair and North Fayette. The Aerobic Center in Greensburg and F45 in the Strip District.

Greensburg police said the criminals used a window punch to break in. Police shared surveillance photos showing one of the cars involved.

Investigators found that car was rented at Pittsburgh International Airport by Ashley Gibbs.

She admitted to police she was recruited from Seattle and paid to fly to Pittsburgh to be part of a nationally organized theft ring. Channel 11 asked police about Gibbs’ involvement.

“She would go to the airport, rent vehicles, take them to local hotels,” said Capt. Shawn Denning with the City of Greensburg Police. “She would just leave them for the criminals to pick up, which she only knew by first names so she’s claiming.”

Police said the criminals used the rental cars to commit the thefts and explained why gyms are easy targets.

“Thieves target gyms because they know a lot of times people are in a hurry to go inside and work out and that they are in there for an extended period of time,” said Capt. Denning.

Police are warning anyone going to the gym to park under a light, lock your car and bring valuables inside.

Upper Saint Clair arrested and charged Gibbs. She’s in the Allegheny County jail. Police are working to track down the other people involved.

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