At the West Hollywood Public Safety Commission meeting on March 24, 2025, Chair Adam Eramian didn’t mince words: “West Hollywood is being known as the cell phone theft capital of the world.” His comment, delivered during a discussion with representatives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, highlighted a persistent problem plaguing the city’s crowded nightlife spots. The Sheriff’s report revealed 32 pickpocketing incidents so far in 2025, following 398 cases in 2024. With summer and Pride season approaching, officials warned the numbers are likely to rise again.
The data, presented by Lieutenant Lapkin and Sergeant Duron, pinpointed 24 pickpocketing cases in February within the Rainbow District. “The pickpocketing numbers have gone down slightly,” Duron noted, “but always when summer and Pride comes around, those numbers will increase again.” Last year’s 398 thefts resulted in just seven arrests—an indication of how difficult it is to catch thieves in busy entertainment zones.
Eramian pressed for solutions: “Is there anything that could be done differently? More undercover operations at the venues?” The Sheriff’s team acknowledged the challenge presented by jam-packed streets and venues. “We have done undercover operations in the past—it’s tough,” they said. “This area is so dense with entertainment district-type venues that they’re gonna come here no matter what.”
Partnerships with venue security have helped, with staff at spots like Revolver sharing suspect photos across businesses. The Sheriff’s response leaned heavily on education. “The biggest thing with us and the pickpocketing is education,” Sergeant Duron explained, “getting the word out there with the bars, the residents, the people that come into the city—that it is a problem and to protect their items.” The Entertainment Policing Team (EPT) regularly briefs bar and club staff to act as “eyes and ears,” a strategy that’s led to some arrests—like those at Beaches Tropicana, where security identified the culprits.
Commissioner Tod Hallman asked whether doormen checking IDs could warn patrons. The Sheriff’s team responded: “Some businesses don’t want to alarm their clientele…they don’t want to turn their customer away.” Eramian floated another idea—using the city’s new LED displays to flash warnings. Director Danny Rivas agreed to explore the option with the communications team, especially ahead of Pride.
As West Hollywood braces for its busiest season, the Sheriff’s advice remains simple: “Put [items] in your front pockets, keep purses and bags closed.” Education may help protect some patrons, while the city’s nightlife allure will surely keep pickpockets coming.
It’s unfortunate that Stephen Post will not continue on the Public Safety Commission. He approached his commission work with diligence and reason. We’ll see what the incoming commissioners bring.
I am not surprised at this trend. Whenever I walk anywhere, I always see smartphones hanging out of the back pockets of jeans. All it takes is for the brief moment of distraction and the smartphone is gone.
Everybody wants to take a selfie of themselves and their friends, so the phones are always available and easy to reach for. The crooks notice this and will act when the opportunity presents itself.