The Redwoods Group Insurance Program for YMCAs
Risk Management Alert

Topic: Reducing Locker Room Theft

Locker room thefts are again becoming a common phenomenon. Both member education and YMCA intervention are needed to arrest this trend. Implementing the following will help to control these losses:

  • CONTROL FACILITY AND LOCKER ROOM ACCESS
    • KNOW WHO IS IN YOUR BUILDING; LIMIT FACILITY ACCESS TO MEMBERS, REGISTERED GUESTS, AND AUTHORIZED VENDORS...require photo identification of unknown individuals
    • MONITOR ACCESS INTO LOCKER ROOM AREAS
      • Position locker room entrances, when possible, so they are monitored by a staff member (e.g., visible from the front desk or some other regularly staffed position)
      • Install cameras outside locker room entrances to monitor and record access

  • STAFF OR PATROL LOCKER ROOM AREAS

    • WHEN REASONABLE, STAFF THE LOCKER ROOM
    • WHEN STAFFING IS UNREASONABLE, STAFF SHOULD FREQUENTLY CIRCULATE THROUGH THE LOCKER ROOMS. Any suspicious or unfamiliar individuals should be politely confronted
      • Assigned staff should visit the locker rooms irregularly, but at least twice each hour
      • All staff should routinely pass through the locker rooms when traveling from one part of the facility to another

  • MANAGE THE PERIPHERAL ISSUES
    • MAINTAIN THE LOCKERS, HINGES, AND LATCHES... don't abet a thief by poor maintenance
    • STAY OUT OF THE LOCK BUSINESS... loaning, renting, or selling locks makes you responsible

  • COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR MEMBERS
    • STATE THE YMCA'S POSITION:
      • Inform members that the YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen articles both in their membership agreement and in newsletter announcements throughout the year
      • Remind members by posting conspicuous signage at locker rooms entrances or on individual lockers that states that the YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen articles
    • TRAIN MEMBERS HOW TO BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY:
      • Leave valuables at home... the YMCA is not a fashion display, the locker room is not a security vault; expensive watches, jewelry, and large amounts of cash don't belong
      • Protect what is brought... don't ever leave it unattended or unlocked, especially keys, cash, credit cards, computers, or cell phones; it takes only seconds for someone to take it from a bench or a locker; don't be guilty of creating a temptation for the weak
      • Use an adequate lock... a cheap lock can be easily compromised and will not trick a potential thief into thinking there is nothing of value contained within the locker
      • Be alert... immediately report any suspicious person or activity to the front desk


Please call us at 800-463-8546 to discuss this or any other risk management concern, or visit our web site at www.redwoodsgroup.com to learn more about YMCA risk management related issues.

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© The Redwoods Group, 2003
Risk Management services are provided by The Redwoods Group to assist the management of insured organizations in fulfilling their responsibilities for the control of potential loss-producing situations involving their operations. The Redwoods Group does not warrant that all potential hazards or conditions have been identified or evaluated, or that they are safely controlled. The liability of The Redwoods Group is limited to the terms, conditions, and limits of the policies it has issued when conducting Risk Management Services.
released 02/17/03