If you are traveling to Los Angeles, it is essential that you be informed about its crime rate; however, this should not discourage your visit to this beautiful city.
West Hollywood is generally safe, although its property crime rate may be slightly higher than other parts of Los Angeles. To ensure your own personal safety, use these safety tips mentioned above to stay out of harm’s way.
Crime
West Hollywood is generally safe for visitors, yet crime does occur occasionally. Please use these safety tips below to stay secure during your travels through West Hollywood.
When traveling alone, it is wise to avoid deserted or isolated areas at night and neighborhoods with high crime rates.
West Hollywood enjoys a relatively low crime rate – the violent crime rate being significantly lower than other American cities and property crimes being less of a problem than might otherwise be expected.
West Hollywood is home to numerous crimes that may arise while traveling, the most prevalent being burglary and robbery, which should not be your main focus during your stay there. Should any such activity arise during your travels, be sure to notify local law enforcement.
When it comes to property crime, you should take every measure possible to secure it and safeguard yourself and your assets. Lock doors and windows securely as well as close blinds and curtains before leaving a car unattended.
West Hollywood may boast a lower crime rate compared to other cities in the area; however, you should still exercise caution when walking alone at night or approaching strangers while on your travels. Be wary of anyone approaching from behind when walking and always wear brightly colored clothing for your protection.
Note that certain locations in West Hollywood have been identified as having high crime rates, such as airports and parks.
Given the large numbers of people that frequent these areas, it’s wise to review both a crime map and total crime map to ensure your visit will be safe.
If you plan to stay in a short-term vacation rental, it is imperative to verify its safety with its owner before leaving any of your belongings behind. Los Angeles has witnessed an increasing number of crimes related to vacation rental properties over recent years – most often happening in Hollywood Hills and Downtown areas.
Recently, the LAPD deployed hundreds of officers in West Hollywood in response to increased incidents. While this may appear beneficial at first glance, it has left local residents fearful for their safety in this neighborhood.
Public Transport
West Hollywood is an exciting city that attracts an eclectic population, making it the ideal travel destination. Here you’ll find hotels and restaurants to keep you occupied for days as well as lively bars and clubs to round out an enjoyable evening out.
Traveling by public transit in West Hollywood is an enjoyable way to experience its vibrant city without the stress and expense of driving yourself. There is an expansive public transit system in West Hollywood including buses, trains and even a new X line on Metro Rail that links its downtown district directly with Santa Monica Blvd.
Public transit offers one major advantage – helping reduce car accidents. While driving alone may make avoiding collisions more challenging, an effective public transportation system can significantly cut back on these collisions; especially those involving drivers and pedestrians.
Public transit provides another great advantage: meeting and befriending people from diverse places. This can be especially valuable when planning on spending extended time in one location – you’ll gain more insight into local cultures by becoming acquainted with residents.
Visiting West Hollywood? Wanting to use public transport instead? Downloading the WeHo to Go app by the city of West Hollywood may help! With access to Zip Car locations (car sharing), transit maps with easy-read format, bike routes and stores listings as well as safety tips – the app contains everything needed for planning your journey without needing a car!
West Hollywood remains an extremely safe area despite negative reports about public safety; in fact, it ranks safer than 7% of US cities. Crime can occur in any neighborhood; those living in northeast and southeast parts may experience higher crime rates than those living in southwest parts of West Hollywood, for instance.
Pickpocketing and purse snatching
Pickpocketing is a form of theft in which thieves use deceptive techniques to secrete money, credit cards and other valuables from pockets or bags without their owners noticing it. Pickpocketing has become an increasingly common and dangerous crime at tourist spots where crowds congregate or travel regularly.
Pickpockets tend to target those who are distracted or lack control over their belongings, so it is always advisable to be on guard against pickpockets. Furthermore, it’s also wise to be aware of which belongings are safe to carry and where not to put them if traveling with children or elderly friends.
West Hollywood residents have reported incidents of pickpocketing and purse snatching on the streets and in shops. Many incidents took place in Melrose shopping district and downtown jewelry district, according to police. To investigate these crimes further, a task force was formed in November to examine them while city’s police department issued a bulletin warning residents against possible pickpockets in these areas.
Thieves working together often rely on distractions as a key element of their success. In crowded places, thieves use various methods to divert attention away from their target and steal from them; for example, bumping victims or physically distracting them may work well.
Additional methods involve taking from unwitting victims as they walk down busy streets, such as taking their handbag or reaching into their pocket to access their wallets. Most thefts like these take place when travelers are distracted by traffic and other distractions – for instance when waiting to catch a bus or subway train.
Pickpocketing in West Hollywood can be reduced by remaining vigilant and staying alert while on public transportation, according to Cynthia Ochterbeck, editorial director of Michelin Travel Partner. In particular, do not hang your purse over a back seat or crouch down when riding taxis or other modes of transport as a precautionary measure, says Ochterbeck.
Be wary of suspicious activity during busy holiday periods when many tourists and travelers have access to cash and desired items – particularly on Black Friday – one of the busiest shopping days of the year in America.
Muggings and kidnapping
Kidnapping, the practice of taking another person without their consent and holding them captive without legal authority, is one of the world’s most serious crimes, so many law enforcement agencies have special task forces dedicated to investigating and prosecuting kidnapping cases.
Staying vigilant and aware is the best way to prevent kidnappings; this includes staying vigilant in unfamiliar areas, making eye contact with people you come into contact with and being aware of your surroundings.
If you have children, it is essential to educate them about stranger danger and the need to only interact with people they know well. Furthermore, make sure there is a plan in place should something arise where their safety could be threatened.
West Hollywood is notorious for muggings and kidnappings that threaten your safety while traveling through its area. Robberies typically involve short-term, opportunistic kidnapping of tourists or the wealthy and are carried out by criminal gangs that target ATMs before holding people hostage until ransom money has been received from an unscrupulous bank or criminal group.
Kidnappings that cause such trauma to victims and their families can have lasting repercussions for both. Kidnapping is a serious threat to society as well as an immense source of distress for victims’ loved ones.
Staying calm is key to avoiding an attack or kidnapping, though it may not always be easy. Sometimes your voice might not carry far enough or an attacker may possess weapons; so it may be wiser to wait and see what transpires before reacting.
As another way of increasing safety, it can also help if you don’t appear like you possess much money. Wear light clothing and refrain from wearing flashy jewelry or accessories that attract thieves; additionally, keeping your wallet close can prevent thieves from having access to it.
If you are going out for drinks, be wary of where and who you are with. Muggery incidents frequently take place near popular bars or restaurants; therefore it is prudent to remain alert in these areas.
