HUDSON, N.Y. — A crime ring has been targeting fitness center and yoga studio patrons across the Northeast, leaving many victims with stolen valuables.
On October 1, three women attending a class at Lumberjack Athletics in Sheffield noticed items missing from their cars after the session. Leon Uptegrove, owner of the Sheffield and Hudson locations, reviewed security footage and saw a white Jeep Cherokee Liberty leaving the area, though the vehicle is not registered to anyone at the gym.
“Three of our athletes had some type of vandalism happen,” Uptegrove said. “Two of them had purses taken, and one had a large sum of money stolen. We believe the thieves acted because the class was in session.”
Pittsfield Police reported similar thefts at a yoga studio the same day. The following day, suspicious activity was flagged by one victim’s bank.
“Checks totaling around $4,000 were being cashed using one of the victims’ IDs,” Uptegrove said.
Authorities arrested 44-year-old Brandi Graff, accused of attempting to cash nearly $5,000 in checks using stolen identities. Graff posted a $500 cash bail on October 2 but has since defaulted, and a warrant is now active for her arrest, according to the Berkshire District Attorney’s office.
The incidents serve as a reminder for fitness-goers to stay vigilant: park in visible areas, remove valuables such as money or jewelry from vehicles, and always lock doors.
Uptegrove also outlined new security measures at Lumberjack Athletics, including more cameras and rules encouraging members to walk in pairs or notify a coach if alone.
“We’re also offering membership adjustments for those affected, though we couldn’t have stopped what happened,” he said.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s office warns that this is part of an active crime ring, making safety precautions especially important for gym and yoga studio patrons.
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