Pickpockets targeting victims in West Hollywood bars and nightclubs
City officials are warning the public of a troubling trend in pickpockets and thieves targeting victims in West Hollywood.
Although many locals say they’re aware of the thefts, the city remains a popular destination for bars and nightclubs, leaving many out-of-town visitors vulnerable. The thieves are also likely targeting victims who are intoxicated or distracted.
Kristofer Bowers said his cell phone was stolen while partying with friends in WeHo.
“I did, at the time, tend to leave my phone on the bar in front of me,” Bowers told KTLA’s Gene Kang. “Out of nowhere, it disappeared. I was like, ‘Where’s my phone?’”
“It’s becoming really ridiculous to the point where, to visitors from around the world, West Hollywood is being known as the cell phone theft capital of the world,” said Adam Eramian, Chair of West Hollywood’s Public Safety Commission.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, in 2024, there were nearly 400 reported cases of thefts in the area.
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A row of restaurants and bars in West Hollywood, California on March 25, 2025. (KTLA) -
The famous bar/restaurant The Abbey in West Hollywood. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images) -
Los Angeles, CA – June 02: participants at the 2024 West Hollywood Pride Parade Los Angeles, CA. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) -
This June 9, 2019, file photo shows participants in the 49th annual Los Angeles Pride Parade in West Hollywood. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File) -
Party-goers show off their costumes at the annual West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, billed as the world’s largest Halloween party, Oct. 31, 2018. (Robyn Beck /AFP/Getty Images) -
People wait in line for an open terrace table at a restaurant on Valentine’s Day on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in West Hollywood, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) -
Los Angeles, CA – June 02: Participants at the 2024 West Hollywood Pride Parade Los Angeles, CA. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 17: The Abbey in West hollywood at Night on November 17, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by FG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
With summer and Pride season around the corner, those numbers are expected to rise.
Cody Mitchell, a former nightclub employee, said he recalled customers being targeted and asking for help when their belongings were taken during a night out.
“Especially with phones and backpacks, people are visiting from out of state or out of the country and they’ll say, ‘My god, my passport was in there!’” Mitchell said.
However, authorities said catching thieves remains tough when so many people are packed into close quarters at bars, nightclubs and during large outdoor events.
LASD said they’ve implemented undercover sting operations in the past, but with the continued thefts, they are now relying on venue security and public awareness to help prevent crimes.
“We’re thankful that the city is able to fund us and have what’s called an Entertainment Policing Team,” explained LASD Sgt. Jason Duron. “It’s a team of deputies and a sergeant who work in our Rainbow District which is the area where all the robust clubs and bars are at. That team deals with all our bars and clubs and education is the biggest thing they do out there. They try to educate the public and the bar community, managers and security officers of the problem.”
City officials said they may consider displaying public LED boards to warn patrons of thieves and pickpockets. LASD notes they’ve seen a slight decrease in theft cases in 2025 due to their efforts, but said they public should still remain vigilant.
For those planning to enjoy a night out in WeHo, authorities said it’s best to be alert of your surroundings and to always keep your phone in your front pocket or inside a zipped purse or bag.