Pickpockets beware. 

For years, bars on the drive were plagued with complaints of stolen phones. The Eagle was especially targeted by thieves.

But now owners say they’ve gotten the problem under control and are urging the other establishments on the Drive to take similar precautions. 

“It got completely out of hand,” said Chuck King, general manager and part owner. The Eagle decided to tackle the problem head on by putting safeguards in place like exit checks. 

“Once we started exit checks, the problem stopped almost immediately,” he said.

An exit check involves security checkpoints at all bar exits. As guests leave, security personnel ask whether they have a personal cell phone and request that it be taken out. Staff then use a handheld metal detector to ensure no additional devices are concealed. Guests are also asked to briefly unlock their phone to confirm it belongs to them.

Greg King, senior business manager and part owner, added that the bar always encouraged patrons to report the thefts to the police, so their numbers may be higher than other bars in the area. 

According to data from the Wilton Manors Police Department there were 66 incidents of pickpocketing among four bars in 2025: Eagle Bar, Georgie’s Alibi, Hunter’s Nightclub and The Venue. 

“We show a considerably high rate of police reports in comparison to the other bars because we actively encouraged guests to file police reports,” Greg said. “Any guest reporting a stolen phone is given a slip of paper asking them to complete a report through our website and to also file a police report.”

Chuck said almost all of the customers were OK with the new safeguards. 

“All of the customers are super happy that we started doing this,” he said.

Mike Nemerof, a frequent patron of the Eagle, said he’s encountered a pickpocket before at the bar. 

“About a year and a half ago, I had a watch stolen there,” he said. “With the new security measures in place, it feels like a much safer environment. My husband and I now always rent a locker, and it’s an easy way to make sure personal items don’t get lost or taken.”

There were 51 reports of pickpockets from January through June. But in the second half of the year, the reports dropped significantly to just 15. 

Chuck advised patrons who are bar hopping to leave their valuables, when able to, in their cars, or at home.