You might want to check out an article I wrote about theft at
_http://members.aol/com/GamblingE_ (http://members.aol/com/GamblingE) .
Basically, safety in Las Vegas is about the same as safety in any major
city. But there is one difference -- with a lot of cash floating around, there
are probably more thefts. You should be on the lookout for pickpockets,
especially in crowds; thefts in hotel rooms (lock your doors and put on that
safety lock - don't leave wallets out in easy accessability); purse/bag snatchers
(don't hang handbacks on the back of your chair or put under your seat for
example); and coin or cashout slip grabbers.
With buckets or trays of coins, keep them close at hand, don't leave them
where they could be grabbed if one person in a team distracts you. With
cashout slips - don't leave your machine with money in it - not even for a few
seconds. Watch out for any sort of distraction ploy - someone dropping coins on
the floor behind you -- you turn to look and someone else cashes out your
coins. Never ask a stranger to "watch your machine" with coins in it -- take
the cashout slip. Be aware of people at the end of a row "playing" who don't
cash out and leave a cashout slip hanging in the slot. You go to look at it,
and meanwhile someone else cashes out your machine.
Money is valuable - so treat it that way. Use normal protections you would
in any major city - travelers checks are always good. Keep cash in various
parts of your purse or pockets (my husband keeps some in his socks -- yikes!).
Try to pickpocket proof your wallet by using a purse that is close to your
body, and preferably under your arm, not hanging behind you on your back. Or
put wallet in a zipped or buttoned or otherwise secure pant pocket (sew in a
snap). Use a money belt or hidden money bag if you want. Use markers at
casinos or locked boxes (available at cashier window). Or lock money and
valuables in hotel safes. (PS - don't forget to take your money home with you - I
once left $8000 in a safe and we had to drive back and find it - fortunately
it was still there).
When you hear about robberies, usually they are preventable - such as people
putting their purse on the floor, and someone comes up behind them while
they are playing and takes purse. Or people leave wallet on dresser near door
of room - then don't double lock room. Or people put computer on the xray
machine too soon, and by the time they get on the other side the computer is
gone. Or people pack a computer or valuables in luggage they check (which now
is not supposed to be locked even) and when it arrives it is gone.
If you use a backpack, be aware someone could be behind you opening it up
while you walk - don't put valuables in. Similarly, if you have money in a
fanny pack, keep that pouch in front of you, not on your fanny! Keep your
hand/arm over any purse or fanny opening when you walk if possible. If you hit a
jackpot, you might want to get a check. If you take cash, put it away
quickly, and make sure no one is watching you or following you out of a casino --
if you are unsure, ask security to escort you to your room/car.
Common sense is your biggest defense against theft.
It is also your biggest defense against crime. Lock your house doors and
windows (even when you are home - someone can pop in while you are in the
bathroom). Lock your car doors. Don't leave packages on the seat of your car.
Keep a light on if you go away on a trip - and maybe the TV too. Have a light
on a timer. Stop delivery of paper and mail. Have someone bring in any
packages or check your home if possible. Stay out of bad neighborhoods. If you
are driving, keep the door locked - if you get stuck somehow in a bad area
(with a flat tire) or on the side of a road -- stay in your car if possible
and try to get the help of a policeman, not a passing stranger. If you have to
walk along a busy road - make sure you are visible so you wont be run down!
(Don't change a tire on the busy side of the road!).
For pedestrians, in Vegas, just as anywhere else -- for goodness sake, watch
for traffic and follow the lights before crossing a street. Don't cross in
the middle of Las Vegas Blvd. instead of walking a few feet to a corner. I
always see people crossing at the Venetian or elsewhere against the light -
they don't seem to realize that people will be making turns off of Las Vegas
Blvd - right into them. Taxi drivers drive fast here, just like everywhere
else - don't think that they will stop for you - they often won't. It may seem
dumb to say this but -- look both ways -- I saw a woman walk across Las Vegas
Blvd. against a light without looking either way, and narrowly miss being
hit by a car.
Safe driving - just like anywhere else -- except we do have a lot of
pedestrians and some bicycles - be careful when you are turning, and watch out for
those taxis. If you miss a turn because you are unfamiliar with the city - so
what - keep going and go around the block - don't swerve over suddenly to
get in the correct lane, only to hit another car or a pedestrian. In Vegas you
can turn right on red and often make U-turns -- just be careful doing so.
Watch out for people pulling out of driveways and shopping centers -- just
like everywhere else. But we do have some wide roads with a lot of shopping on
both sides, and people pulling out of them, trying to cross 2 lanes of
traffic and then into the next lane -- I was in a car that almost got hit by
someone doing this - so watch out - drive defensively. But really - this is just
what any driver needs to do.
So care and common sense are the key. With it you can walk around safely,
even at night, and not be afraid of pickpockets or muggers.
Hope this helps.
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