What to know
- A Toronto resident says her phone was stolen while attending Do West Fest this weekend.
- She later encountered other festivalgoers who claimed their phones had also been taken.
- The incident sparked dozens of comments from people sharing similar experiences at festivals and large events.
- Festivalgoers are being reminded to keep phones, wallets and other valuables secure in crowded areas.
- Summer festivals often attract large crowds, creating opportunities for pickpockets to target distracted attendees.
Planning to hit up Do West Fest or any other festival this summer? Watch your pockets, Toronto thieves are targeting crowded events, and one local’s story is a wake-up call.
Toronto resident Yarah shared a PSA on TikTok about how her phone was stolen at Do West Fest, a popular street festival that drew thousands to Dundas Street West over the weekend.
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@yarahmusic PLEASE WATCH IF YOURE GOING TO DU WEST #duwest #toronto #torontofestival #summerfestival ♬ original sound – Yarah
Toronto resident shares theft warning
She explained that it seemed a girl was trying to get through the crowd and followed Yarah and her friends, but in reality, she was trying to steal Yarah’s phone.
“She put her hands on my waist and I immediately found that to be weird,” Yarah said in the video.
When Yarah tried to ask the cops if someone had returned a phone, three other girls reportedly said their phones had also been stolen.
How does she feel?
Yarah shared her disappointment in the situation, as the thief has no idea what people are going through or can even afford to replace their phone.
“This was literally the last thing I needed right now or in my life at all, so I seriously hope that you change and become a better person,” Yarah said in hopes that the video pops up on the thief’s “For You Page” (FYP.)
Her advice is simple: don’t keep your phone in your pocket, stay aware of your surroundings and be extra cautious in crowded areas this summer.
Next steps
Yarah is debating returning with a decoy phone in hopes of finding the same girl.
Overall, the Toronto resident is grateful she didn’t have her wallet stolen as well, saying the situation could’ve been even worse.
She reminds Torontonians to never leave their phone or anything valuable in their pockets.
Festivalgoers share similar experiences
In her TikTok video, festivalgoers relate to getting their phones stolen.
“SAME GIRL! THEY TOOK MY PHONE AND THE GUY BESIDE ME. So sad, had to go buy another one,” a TikTok user commented.
“Happened to me at Ossfest last year. My phone ended up in Vietnam. I hate this for you girl,” another wrote.
“Same, this happened to my sister-in-law at Do West Fest,” another added.
“That’s terrible. My phone was taken from my bag at Pride 3 years ago. It sucks!” another related.
But another is glad they didn’t go, considering the influx of negative videos on Do West Fest.
“Yikes, I’m glad I stayed home. I was considering going today, but seeing nothing but negative videos from people who went. I’m sorry this happened to you.”
While it’s impossible to know how widespread thefts were at this year’s festival, crowded events have long been attractive targets for pickpockets.
Large gatherings often create the perfect conditions for thefts, with attendees distracted by performances, navigating packed crowds or carrying phones in easily accessible pockets.
Toronto festivals regularly attract tens of thousands of people throughout the summer, and police have previously encouraged attendees to keep valuables secured in zippered bags, avoid storing phones in back pockets and remain aware of their surroundings in dense crowds.
