SWIMMERS have told of their fury at thieves raiding their lockers at a popular leisure centre in Southampton.

The Quays Swimming & Diving Complex, in Harbour Parade, has seen repeated thefts from lockers used by the public.

Several centre users told the Echo that the Active Nation-run leisure centre has poor CCTV and inadequate lighting in corridors.

One swimmer, who did not want to be named, said: “They took everything from me.

"My clothes, keys, phone, medication and bank cards - which had my address, were all taken. They even stole the padlock.

“I was stranded in the city centre without a phone or any help.”

When he alerted a member of staff to the theft, he said he was told by a staff member: "Sometimes people move things around." 

He added: “The incident was extremely distressing for me at the time – I had to change all the locks at my house.

“I also lost a lot of precious memories that were saved as photos on my phone.

“Having to pause and reset my life, was a very difficult experience.”

The member said that he would like the company to take an active role in stopping this.

He added: “I was told by staff this is very rare but in the five weeks since this happened several similar incidents have occurred.

“They are aware of the CCTV and lighting problems but have done nothing.”

Bea Upton, 53, a regular user of the centre, said: “I had finished my swim when I came across a family with a young child.

"They had their locker cleaned out - all their clothes, keys phones, clothes and towels.

“I was so upset seeing this young family with all their valuables and clothes missing.

“There is zero accountably from The Quays and these are high-value thefts which have a strong impact on the victims.

"They have made no attempt to warn customers of the high frequency of these thefts.”

Active Nation was approached for comment.