THE council has confirmed they received complaints after a number of thefts from lockers at Parr Swimming and Fitness Centre.

A dad-of-one from Sutton Leach, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported the issue to the Star after his wife’s purse was emptied of cash.

Car and house keys were taken on Saturday, February 18 from a secured locker.

He said: “Our daughter is really scared now, the fact they have our car and house keys is really upsetting her, she is terrified of them breaking in.

“It’s unlikely that they know where we live but she is struggling to get to sleep.

"We just don’t want it to happen to anyone else, especially since the locker was tampered with and showed no sign of forced entry.”

A spokesman from St Helens Council said: “We can confirm the recent thefts at Parr Swimming and Fitness Centre.

“Such incidents are very rare and we are focused on supporting customers who fall victim to such crime, and assisting Merseyside Police with their investigation.

“We are also working with our locker supplier to review the system and consider ways to reduce the risk of such incidents recurring.

“As with all public buildings, we advise customers to keep to a minimum the valuables which they bring to store in lockers, and we will continue to be as vigilant as possible and challenge any suspicious behaviour in our facilities.

“Anyone with information that could help should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or police on 101.