On Nov. 22, Steve Wright, 57, of Centerville said he visited the gym, put his wallet in his locker, worked out, returned to his still-locked locker, and then left, a police report states.
When he arrived home, he received a call from his bank, informing him of possible fraudulent activity: His credit card was used at a department store at the mall. He checked his wallet and found that his credit card was missing.
An unknown party used the stolen credit card to purchase about $820 in goods. At about the same time, another member of the gym reported to police that received an alert from his bank that someone was using his bank card at retail stores. His credit card was taken from his wallet while he worked out. The combination lock was still fastened when he finished exercising.
On his card, the thief racked up about $312.
Police officer Douglas Hesler, who investigated the thefts, said lock-picking has gained popularity in last five to 10 years.
“All you have to do is type it into YouTube,” Hesler said. “It’s like anything with the Internet, the more you can see and study, even the lay person can gain experience.”
Hesler said people in theft rings teach each other tricks of the trade, but now the Internet allows criminals around the world to exchange ideas.
Some popular YouTube videos feature instructions on how to beat a drug test and grow marijuana.
“What’s crazy is that this stuff is out there,” said police Maj. John DiPetro, deputy chief. “If there is an instruction manual, it’s going to be on the Internet somewhere. ... From terrorist activities to improvised explosive devices to drugs, you name it, it’s out there.”
Wright, who said he no longer uses a combination lock at the gym, does not blame YouTube.
“It’s not the Internet’s fault,” he said. “It’s not like we need more restrictions on the Internet. It’s my own damn fault for not knowing. This guy figured out how to do it before I learned people can do this.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-0749 or cfrolik@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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