A GYM user has criticised security at a leisure club after he and his friend had property stolen from a locker.

Chris Preston was a member of the gym at Fairways Lodge, in George Street, Prestwich, but cancelled his membership after the theft a few weeks ago.

Mr Preston (21), a support worker for Greater Manchester Police, visited the gym during a quiet period on a Saturday afternoon with his friend Paul Armitage (23).

The pair entered the gym via a security door controlled by staff on reception and left their belongings in a locker, which is operated by a £1 coin.

After 30 minutes Mr Preston discovered that the locker had been ransacked and his mobile phone, house keys and driving licence taken. The lost items cost him around £400 to replace.

Mr Armitage's car keys had also gone, which meant he had to have the locks changed on his vehilce at a cost of £600.

Mr Preston said: "We immediately reported this to staff and were advised to contact the police, which we did. The security in these premises leaves a lot to be desired as the person responsible must have sneaked in through the security door.

"The staff gave the impression of total disinterest and complete lack of concern. At first we were told that the management would reimburse us both, but that was later withdrawn after I met with the manager."

General manager, Mr Andrew Murray, said the hotel did not accept liability for loss or damage to property and there were signs displayed stating that.

But he said: "We are upset about this and are very sorry for the person concerned. We did offer him a free membership as a gesture but our offer was refused.

"Crime generally is on the increase and people like us are fair game. We dont get a lot of it but it does happen. We have a security door and members have to be swiped in but we are in the process of improving security measures."

Mr Murray said members would soon be issued with cards featuring a bar code which would create a digital photograph of the card holder on the computer when swiped. The hotel also has CCTV film which police are studying.

Inspector David Jones, of Prestwich and Whitefield Police, said: "We are investigating this theft and a series of similar thefts in Prestwich, where the offender has sneaked into public and private buildings such as schools and large stores.

"If anyone sees people in areas where they shouldnt be, they should ring us straight away. The Fairways Lodge is a busy place with people coming and going but they have good security and considering the location of the hotel, they do very well."