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City officials have warned the public of the troublesome tendency of pickpockets and burglars to target West Hollywood victims.
While many locals say they are aware of the theft, the city remains a popular destination for bars and nightclubs, making many out-of-town visitors vulnerable. Thieves are also likely targeting drunk or distracted victims.
Kristofer Bowers said his phone had been stolen while partying with friends at Weho.
“At the time, I tended to leave phones at the bar in front of me,” Bowers told KTLA’s Jean Kang. “Out of nowhere, it disappeared. I was like, ‘Where is my phone?’ ”
“To visitors from all over the world, West Hollywood is known as the global mobile phone theft capital, which is truly ridiculous,” said Adam Elamien, chairman of West Hollywood’s Public Safety Commission.
In 2024, nearly 400 theft cases were reported in the area, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
Restaurants and Bars Lines in West Hollywood, California (KTLA) West Hollywood’s famous bar/restaurant The Abbey. (Photo: Valerie Macon/AFP (Zoe Cranfill/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) June 9th this year, the file photo shows participants at the 49th Los Angeles Pride Parade in West Hollywood. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, file) Party attendees will show off their outfits at the annual West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, which was billed as the world’s largest Halloween party on October 31st, 2018. Doval Gun) Los Angeles, CA – June 2nd: West Hollywood Pride Parade in 2024 Los Angeles, CA. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Los Angeles, California – November 17: West Hollywood Abbey will be held on November 17, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: fg/bauer-griffin/gc image)
As summer and pride seasons go round the corner, those numbers are expected to increase.
Cody Mitchell, a former nightclub employee, said he recalled that customers were targeted and asked for help when their belongings were filmed while out at night.
“People are visiting from outside the state or from abroad, especially when they use their phones and backpacks. “My God, my passport was there!”
But authorities say it remains tough to catch burglars when so many people are packed nearby during bars, nightclubs and large outdoor events.
LASD said it had conducted undercover operations in the past, but due to continued theft, they now rely on venue security and public awareness to prevent crime.
“We are grateful that the city can fund us and have something called the Entertainment Police Team,” explained LASD Sergeant. Jason Duron. “This is a proxy team and sergeant who work in the Rainbow area, an area with all the robust clubs and bars, and that team deals with all the bars and clubs and education.
City officials said they may consider displaying the public board to warn burglars and pickpocket patrons. LASD has seen a slight decline in theft cases in 2025 due to efforts, but they say they should still be on alert.
For those planning on enjoying the night at Weho, authorities have been wary of your surroundings and have said it is best to always put your phone in your front pocket or in your wallet or bag.
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