Some neighbors in Larchmont Village say what they’re seeing late at night isn’t just uncomfortable; they believe it's dangerous for everyone involved.
Neighbors Larry and Karen told KNX News’ Nataly Tavidian that prostitution activity and human trafficking tied to Western Ave. has increasingly moved right in front of their homes.
“So, right in front of our house, at least three or four evenings a week, there's regular sexual activity with prostitution,” Larry said.
They say it usually starts around 10 p.m. and doesn’t stop until early morning.
“In many situations, the Johns bring them here, and after they have sex, they leave them off, and then they have to walk over to Western, and they're wearing their high heels and their makeup and their caricature outfits,” Larry continued. “It's really a very sad thing.”
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Larry said they throw used condoms and tissues onto the streets. Karen said it’s especially difficult in a neighborhood with families and nearby schools.
“It's very awkward,” she said. “It is scary. It's dangerous. The people engaged in this are at risk; the women and the neighbors are at risk.”
City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez says the city has now launched a new cross-agency task force along Western Avenue, working with law enforcement and a nonprofit that helps rescue women and girls from trafficking.
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