Gym-goers have been told to leave valuable items at home after a spate of designer watch thefts.

Two Cartier watches were taken from lockers at Wickwoods country club in Albourne, near Hassocks, on January 4.

The owners said they reported the incidents to reception and were told that two Rolex watches had been stolen from lockers around six months ago.

A man whose Cartier watch was taken on January 4, and who has asked to remain anonymous, said he was disappointed the club had not notified members and felt his situation was not being taken seriously.

But club owners David Lloyd told The Argus it was ramping up security and assisting police.

“We are very sorry to hear of reports of some thefts at our Wickwoods club recently,” said a David Lloyd spokesman.

“We are working closely with the police while they conduct their investigations and have provided CCTV to help identify those responsible.  

“As a result, we placed notices within our club and are emailing our members to ask them to avoid bringing in any high value belongings to the club and introducing a range of security measures.

“We are also introducing security lockers in the spa reception area for members to store any small valuables, which will be monitored by CCTV.

“Later this year we will also be installing higher security padlocked lockers and new digitally operated gated entry to the club.”

“Police received two reports of watches stolen from a country club in Shaves Wood Lane, Hassocks, on 4 January,” said a spokesman for the Sussex force.

READ MORE: David Lloyd acquires Wickwoods Country Club near Hassocks

“Investigations are ongoing into both incidents, which will include engagement with the victims and business to gather any available evidence.”

David Lloyd bought Wickwoods in February last year from former owner Lee Goossens.