Evidence recovered from the homes of the suspects. Image courtesy Long Beach Police Department.
9:00am | Three suspects have been arrested after allegedly committing about 100 burglaries at fitness clubs around Long Beach, and police have seized identification cards, credit cards, wallets and gym bags that were found in the suspects’ homes. They are also suspected of auto theft.
The suspects have been identified as 18-year old Komsan Suon, 19-year old Marvin Empleo and 19-year old Mick So, all Long Beach residents. All three were booked for commercial burglary, conspiracy to commit commercial burglary, possession of burglary tools and possession of stolen property. They are being held at the Long Beach County Jail on $20,000 bail. Police also impounded four vehicles as evidence.
Upon investigation, Police found that the suspects would enter different locations of the same fitness gym as members, then use shims to open lockers and remove personal belongings before re-locking the lockers.Often, the suspects would do the same thing at multiple gyms in one day.
It was apparently a very lucrative business. Authorities say that one suspect bought cars, furniture and home electronics. Sometimes, purchases were made with the credit cards that they had stolen.
Police advise gym-goers should never leave valuables in their locker, even when locked. Use locks that require a key, because combination locks are easy to open with homemade tools. Police say that the fitness club provided key information that led to the arrests and that the investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information about these thefts, or if you believe that you’ve been a victim, contact Detectives Robert Bernesen and Robert Trout at 562.570.5878.