Executive Summary
- Larchmont residents report a significant rise in sex trafficking activity following crackdowns on the Figueroa Corridor.
- Witnesses describe illicit acts occurring in public spaces and near schools during overnight and early morning hours.
- The LAPD has advised residents against confrontation due to threats of violence from individuals involved in the trade.
- Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez has launched a task force and partnered with survivor support groups to address the issue.
Residents of the Larchmont neighborhood in Los Angeles have reported a surge in illicit sexual activity and suspected human trafficking, attributing the displacement of these crimes to recent law enforcement crackdowns on the nearby Figueroa Corridor. Community members described a pattern of sex buyers picking up individuals on Western Avenue and transporting them into residential streets to engage in sexual acts.
According to interviews conducted by NBC Los Angeles, witnesses have observed this activity occurring in parked vehicles and public spaces, such as benches, primarily between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Residents have also reported incidents occurring as early as 7 a.m., coinciding with school drop-off times.
Karen Gilman, a long-time resident, stated that evidence of these encounters, including used contraceptives and wrappers, is frequently found on sidewalks near Van Ness Elementary School. Gilman expressed deep concern regarding the visibility of this activity to local children and the potential danger posed by the individuals involved in the trade.
One resident, identified as Larry, suggested that the influx is a direct result of intensified police operations targeting the Figueroa Corridor, a known trafficking hub. He noted that the increased pressure in that area has effectively forced the activity into surrounding, less patrolled neighborhoods. This phenomenon is often referred to as crime displacement.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has reportedly urged residents to avoid direct engagement with sex workers or buyers due to the potential for violence. Residents told NBC Los Angeles that they have received threats when attempting to intervene or document the activity. The LAPD stated it is currently collaborating with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to disrupt these trafficking networks.
In response to the community outcry, Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez announced the launch of a task force focused on Western Avenue. In a statement, Soto-Martinez confirmed a partnership with “Journey Out,” an organization specializing in support for trafficking survivors. Additionally, law enforcement is utilizing surveillance to identify license plates and issue warning letters to suspected sex buyers, alerting them that their vehicles have been recorded in areas associated with indecent exposure.
Public Safety and Enforcement Strategy
The migration of illicit activity from the Figueroa Corridor to residential enclaves like Larchmont highlights the persistent challenge of displacement in vice policing. While traditional methods such as increased patrols and surveillance letters aim to deter demand, city officials have acknowledged that arrest-based strategies alone are insufficient to resolve the issue. The integration of victim advocacy groups suggests a shift toward a comprehensive strategy that targets the supply chain while simultaneously addressing the humanitarian crisis of trafficking. It is important to note that all individuals discussed in relation to criminal investigations are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
