DERRY City Council has launched an investigation into the theft of a car parked outside Lisnagelvin Leisure Centre, as its owner exercised inside.
The car, stolen on August 3, is believed to belong to a Waterside based taxi driver, and it is understood the vehicle's keys were pilfered from the Centre's changing rooms.
One source told the Sentinel money and a number of personal items were als
o taken in the theft - which occurred close to Waterside PSNI station, located adjacent to the leisure centre.
The source said it appeared the theft was both deliberate and calculated, and claimed it may have involved staking out the car park, and relaying information to an accomplice inside the leisure centre.
They said it was feasible the thieves may have had a specific make and model in mind.
A City Council spokeswoman confirmed the matter is now being dealt with by the PSNI.
She said council was also carrying out their own investigation into the matter and moved to reassure the public over the safety of personal belongings while using leisure facilities.
"A full investigation is being carried out internally at the leisure centre regarding this incident," she said.
"Council would like to assure all the patrons of its leisure facilities that the security and safety of their personal belongings is of paramount concern to the centres and would urge anyone who notices any suspicious behaviour on the premises to alert staff immediately."
A PSNI spokeswoman said the stolen car was recovered by Garda in Donegal on the day it was stolen.
She asked anyone with information to contact the PSNI on 0845 800 6000 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
The full article contains 295 words and appears in Londonderry Sentinel newspaper.
