Members ‘violated, angry’ after camera found in tanning bed at Chilliwack gym

CHILLIWACK (NEWS 1130) – Members of a Chilliwack gym say they will never tan there again after learning a hidden camera was found in a tanning bed and no one was notified.

The camera was found in a stand-up tanning bed at a Planet Fitness on Aug. 8 and police were notified, but some women who go to the gym say they were never told.

Online, women who have tanned at the gym say they’re grossed out, and that they are anxious to know if images of their bodies are in the hands of a criminal.

Posts on social media show people have been reaching out to the facility and police to understand the rumours.

In one Facebook post, a woman said: “It’s my body and I should have been made aware.” Others said they feel “violated,” and “angry.”

Corporal Mike Rail with the Chilliwack RCMP said police can’t provide any more details.

“We did receive a report on August the 8th of suspicious electronic devices, believed to be video devices. To protect the integrity of the investigation, we won’t release any details of it, to protect any evidence [and] the privacy of those who may be involved,” he said. “It’s a serious investigation that we’re actively involved in. If anybody has any information or they feel that they may have been the subject of the videoing, call the Chilliwack RCMP.”

Planet Fitness said the safety of its members is a priority.

“At Planet Fitness, the safety and privacy of our members is our top priority. We can confirm that a recording device was found in one of the tanning beds in our Chilliwack location,” spokesperson Becky Zirlen said in a release. “It was immediately removed and reported to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The franchise owner is working closely with the police in this ongoing investigation and do not have additional details to share at this time.”