Las Vegas - Crime in Vegas

I'm a Million Mile Flyer on United Airlines. My wife and I have traveled the world (especially the US) for many years, without ever being robbed anywhere.

We just came home from Las Vegas, after being ripped off twice.

1) Upon arriving in Las Vegas we took a taxi to the Flamingo Hotel. The cab driver decided it was ok to take the long scenic ride on the expressway, in order to overcharge us.

2) We took the bus to Freemont Street and my wife had all her cash stolen by a pickpocket.

Here's what we learned.

1) Crime appears to be rampant in Las Vegas. We were ripped off twice within 24 hours, and both times in daylight.
2) If you want to file a police report, there is no police station near the center of the strip. You may also find that when you finally get to a police station, that you may have to wait a couple of hours to file the report. It appears they want to keep their crime statistics low.
3) The bus company says they are NOT responsible for crime on their buses. They didn't even bother to call 911, even though the thief was still on the bus. They also have cameras on the bus, but the driver later told us there was no tape in it.

They say that tourism is down in Las Vegas because of 911, the war in Iraq, the SARS disease, and the bad economy. I've got news for them, we came despite all those issues, but we will now stay away because of all the thieves.

You did exactly what I would have done. Forget the cops and file the report on FT.
Oh yeah, and I'd let the thief continue his journey on the bus.

Welcome to Flyertalk

I'm sorry to hear of your bad experiences. Hopefully, others will learn from what happend to you.

When taking a cab from the airport in Las Vegas, you should instruct the driver NOT to take the tunnel that leads to the expressway, if you are staying in a hotel located relativley near the airport. This is certainly the case for hotels like MGM, Tropicana, Excal, NYNY and can apply as far down the strip is the Flamingo. If your staying downtown, the expressway is probably the better way to go.

Just like in any other tourist desination, you should keep close watch on your money and other valuables when in crowds or tight quarters. Places like the Treasure Island sea battle with its large crowds are excellent places for pickpockets to work.

I would also carry only a minimum amount of cash, with the rest as travelers checks or updated with an ATM card. If possible, consider not carrying a wallet. Carry just your drivers license, 1 or 2 credit cards and whatever else you MUST bring, perhaps wrapped in a rubber band. Leave everything else at home. Try not to carry valuables in your back pocket. The LVMPD has a full list of tips on their web site:

http://www.lvmpd.com/tourist/safety_tips.htm

I am surprised the LVMPD does not have a substation on or close to the strip.

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also in Vegas... if anyone asks where you are from ALWAYS answer "vegas"...

I've seen people get ripped off on taxi's, bar tabs, or plain just tried to get robbed for saying they are from out of town....

It's a dodgy town - treat it like such

... btw; why didn't you call 911 from a cell phone??

[This message has been edited by NickP 1K (edited 04-21-2003).]

After the fact, we thought of all the should haves, could haves, and would haves.

If we had taken our camera, we could have taken the thiefs picture.

I left my cell phone in the hotel room, so it wouldn't be lost or stolen.

We did walk to the police substation the next day to file a report. There's a station down past Mandaly Bay. That's quite a hike from the Flamingo. While we were there, there were two couples reporting stolen purses. One couple said they had a purse stolen from their hotel room at the Aladin, while they were sleeping. I can't imagine not chaining the door.

Lots of pickpockets and scam artists in Vegas. Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

I have some acquaintences who just sit back and smile when the cabbie takes them the long way. When they arrive, they give the driver his choice: the ride was free or we turn you in.

QL

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by UAMillion:
1) Upon arriving in Las Vegas we took a taxi to the Flamingo Hotel. The cab driver decided it was ok to take the long scenic ride on the expressway, in order to overcharge us.
</font>

Unless you specified how to go, I would say this is your own fault. I don't know if Las Vegas cabs are required to go via the shortest route as they are (and generally do) in NYC, but with the convention traffic and masses of people from middle-america suburban hell, out-of-towners are easy-pickings for cabbies.

My folks were just there and I gave them specific directions (Paradise Rd) to give the driver. He said that there would be a lot of traffic and it would take longer than via the highway. I told my parents that this would be the response, but it was late, and they didn't argue.

So, have you never been to Washington, D.C.?

JP

I recently had the exact same taxi experience from the airport to the Flamingo as well! Must be a Million Miler Benefit. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif

Wish I would have thought of Quietlion's friend's more satisfactory solution. I only threatened to turn him in if he didn't cut the fare in half. He did, and took off with an angry burning of rubber.

The doorman asked what that was all about. I told him. He replied, "Well, welcome to Vegas!"

I know this will sound absurd but I have to say it. I have been going to Vegas 2-3 times a year for 30 years. In the old days, Vegas was run by organized crime and it was great. You could walk the streets 24 hours a day and feel safe. Noone in the casinos cursed at the tables or behaved badly or you would very politely be asked to leave. Nobody was allowed to behave in a drunk fashion at the tables or machines. There was a code of dignity and elegance there. Noone got killed or robbed unless they were supposed to, lol. I felt safe there and it was a great place to be. Now, with all the big corporations running things, all they care about is the level of profit which is high enough without selling out all of the decent things they used to have. They no longer provide the quality of lounge shows they used to have, no longer provide the goodies for local seniors that they once did and in general Vegas has gone downhill. Ah well, those were the good old days. There was a lot to be said for things things that were "organized".

"Unless you specified how to go, I would say this is your own fault. I don't know if Las Vegas cabs are required to go via the shortest route as they are (and generally do) in NYC, but with the convention traffic and masses of people from middle-america suburban hell, out-of-towners are easy-pickings for cabbies."

This is absolutely untrue. Taking the 'tunnel' is prohibited for fares to the Strip (Mandalay Bay might be the only exception) by the Las Vegas Taxicab Authority unless the cabbie gets the ok from the passenger. Of course, the cabbie can phrase the question in many different ways to get the ok. Ex : "Do you want me to take the quickest route?, it might cost a couple bucks more", etc.

If you are knowingly long hauled in LV, when dropped off, tell the cabbie that he has 2 options : 1) The ride is on him, or 2) You are immediately calling the LV Taxicab Authority to report him. (FYI, the # is 702-486-6532, and a casino valet/doorman will assist you). Yes, this is a bit of a sleazy practice, but so is long-hauling.

The Taxicab Authority DOES take complaints seriously. I have personally filed one, and it was followed up with due diligence.

hockeystl


[This message has been edited by hockeystl (edited 04-22-2003).]

Absolutely untrue?? Nice correction, btw.

Turns out the LV "Taxi bill of rights" is lifted verbatim from that in NYC, or vice-versa http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/rolleyes.gif.

Based on the comments here and elsewhere in this forum, taking the highway sounds like standard practice. Doesn't appear as though anyone is complaining. When NYC had Intl visitors being charged $400 for rides into Manhattan, the TLC cracked-down. Result was a flat-rate clearly displayed at the airport, on multi-lingual flyers, and posted in all cabs.

If consumers complained, or if the taxi commission in LV really cared, a flat-rate to the Strip would be an obvious solution. Maybe LV still is "organized".

"Based on the comments here and elsewhere in this forum, taking the highway sounds like standard practice."

I wouldn't consider it standard practice, but it does happen often. As I said, most cabbies will directly or indirectly attempt to get authorization to take the tunnel.

"Maybe LV still is "organized"."

You are absolutely correct on this one. There is no question that there is some sort of 'organization' among cab companies.

One example : It took a lawsuit to stop the strip club kickbacks that were common for years.

LV cabs are ripoffs and have among the highest per mile and per minute rates in the entire US. On the flip side, LV Car rental rates are among the lowest. Go figure.

hockeystl

Got some interesting info from the 'rents on their cab experiences in LV.

. 7 taxi companies owned by the same 3 guys for many many years
. Drivers keep tips plus 20% of the meter
. Drivers generally hurting, fuel costs, hasn't been as busy
. One driver said that they are required to go via the shortest route, but many don't (whatever that means)

On their trip from the airport, the driver refused to go on Paradise, and insisted on the highway. Sounds like a driver someone needs to report.

I know that NYC cab drivers pay for a certain number of hours/week to "have" a cab, and keep whatever they make. Hard to say which arrangement is better for the driver.

Found this on the NV Taxicab Authority web site:

http://taxi.state.nv.us/faq.htm#rights

Taxi Rider's Bill of Rights
As a taxi rider, you have the right to:

Direct the destination and route used;
Travel to any destination in Clark County;
A courteous, English-speaking driver who knows the streets in Las Vegas and the way to major destinations;
A driver who knows and obeys all traffic laws;
Air-conditioning on demand;
Smoke and incense-free air;
A clean passenger seat area;
A clean trunk;
You have the right to obtain a receipt;
Pay only the amount displayed on the taximeter; and
Gratuities for good service is appropriate.
24-hour Consumer Hotline: (702) 486-6532


Taxi Rate of Fare
************************************************

$ 2.70 first 1/9 mile
$ .20 each additional 1/9 mile
$ 22.00 waiting time, per Hour
$ 1.20 each trip from McCarran Airport
************************************************** ***







Taxi Complaints

To file a complaint you should submit it in writing to:

Taxicab Authority
1785 East Sahara Avenue, Suite 200
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
Also, the following information must be submitted:
Your name and address; and
Date, Time, Medallion Number on Cab, Driver Name, and location.
Explain what happened and give a brief description, i.e.:



Driver refused to pick up passenger.
Driver attempted physical force or used physical force.
Driver threatened, harassed or abused passenger.
Operated vehicle in a dangerous manner.
Discourteous.
Failed to take the most direct route.

Attempted to ascertain destination before you entered cab.
Fast meter.
Failed to comply with reasonable request of the passenger.
Did not give correct change.
Taximeter was not placed in the recording position.
Overcharged - Total Fare $______ Amount of Overcharge $______.
Other.

It also says:

Complainant Hearing Guide
The Taxicab Authority Hearing Section is located at:
1785 East Sahara Avenue, Suite 260
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104


Bring your hearing notice and let the secretary inside the Hearing Area know that you are present.
It may be helpful to reread your original complaint before the hearing.
You may bring someone to help you.
Both you and the driver are allowed a thirty minute grace period for lateness.

The case will be dismissed if you do not appear.

A hearing will be held even if the driver is absent; based on your statements, the driver may be found guilty. The driver also may be suspended and fined for nonappearance.
Hearings generally last from fifteen minutes to an hour.
A Taxicab Authority investigator is present during the hearing and is available to escort you out of the building after the hearing.
The Taxicab Authority will notify you of the scheduled hearing date by subpoena.

So if you have to have a hearing on the issuse and your a tourist, I guess your out of luck. Nice catch-22.


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[This message has been edited by businesstraveler (edited 04-26-2003).]

I'll be going to a convention next week at the Venetian. I've never been to Vegas before.

How much should I expect to pay for a cab, and what should I tell him when I get in the cab?

Is there some other way (such as a shuttle bus) to get to the hotel?

Thanks.

Mary

I'd suggest the shuttle buses. I believe they are $4 (+tip) to the hotels on the strip. They make a few stops, but you won't have to deal with greedy cab drivers.

When you come down the escalators into baggage claim, get your luggage, and then go out the doors on the left. You can then buy a ticket, or just pay the driver.

I always take the shuttle buses from the airport (I formerly used Las Vegas Limos when they were operating strech limo shuttle service to the Strip) and a taxi back to the airport. The shuttle companies are great for the ride there-- the wait can sometimes be shorter than the taxi line. I always take a taxi back to the airport, as the shuttle companies can be very unreliable for scheduled pickups. Also, my time for returning to the airport can vary based upon how I'm doing at the table http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif.

Regarding the NV Taxicab authority, in addition to being a "consumer affairs" agency, they are also a law enforcement agency. If you have a dispute with a taxicab driver, you can call them (702-486-6532 if in Las Vegas) and they will immediately send one of their officers out to your location to arbitrate the dispute. Although not the regular police, the officer they send out will have a gun, badge, and most importantly a citation book with which they can issue the cab driver a ticket for the violation. The officer deals only with taxicab issues, and is therefore an expert on the regulations.

In the case of a "not the most direct route" complaint, they will calculate what the fare for the correct route would have been, and make you pay only that amount. More importantly, the driver will be issued a citation for the violation, which acts like a moving violation. In addition to a $250 or so fine, too many violations over a period of time will result in loss of license, just like too many speeding tickets will do for a regular driver.

As a result, most drivers that know they've done you wrong will just drive off if you threaten to call the taxicab commission.

As others have alluded to, most of the drivers make an attempt to comply with the law by asking the passenger from the airport something like "Do you want to take the quickest route?" or "It will save time to go on the freeway - is that okay?" If the passenger says yes, then it's completely legitimate to take the freeway at higher cost.

Note that fares in LV are calculated in the same way as they are in most cities that don't have a flat fare: the fare is based on the distance traveled only, not on the time (except if you are completely at a standstill in traffic). So, a route that goes 10 miles on the freeway at 60mph costs twice as much as a route that goes 5 miles on surface streets at 30mph, even though they both take the same amount of time. The cab drivers take advantage of the fact that many people will associate the "quickest" route with the cheapest route, when this is not the case. But, the fact remains that they cannot take you on any route other than the cheapest route unless they get your permission.

Here's how I handle taxis in LV, depending on my mood:

- Instruct them to take Paradise Rd. I've never had them refuse this request. Most importantly, it lets them know that you know what you're talking about.

- Wait to see what happens. If they ask if it's okay to go on the freeway, I tell them no.

Only once have they taken what was clearly the long route without asking me. In that case, I decided that the fare for the correct route plus tip was about what the meter showed for the long route, so I paid him just the metered fare and told him why he was getting no tip. This was much faster than calling for the taxicab authority, but I would not hesitate to do so if the need arose.

BTW, a LV taxicab driver makes 39% of the metered fare, plus all of the tip, and unlike many cities, is not allowed to own his cab.

Regarding crime in Las Vegas, I've been there many, many times and have never been a victim (other than a taxicab "New York shortcut" described above). Considering the amount of cash that people typically carry, and the fact that many people are out and about in public after having a few drinks, it's almost amazing to me that more stuff doesn't happen.

Then again, I've never taken the bus, and I avoid downtown. I stick to the major Strip resorts, and they do a remarkable job at maintaining a safe environment. There probably isn't a more monitored environment anywhere.

My thanks to Steve for the input. I've seen the "taxi police" many times while in LV. I did not relize they will respond upon request. Good to know.

I also agree about the crime aspect in general. That's why I made the points above (which actually apply wherever one might travel). Don't carry large amounts of cash, don't go into areas that don't feel right (trust your instincts), use provided security measures like double locks and in-room safes and keep your cash on your person that makes it difficult for a pickpocket to get at.

Loose your money at the tables - like the rest of us! &lt;Big Grin&gt;

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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Mary2e:
I'll be going to a convention next week at the Venetian. I've never been to Vegas before.

How much should I expect to pay for a cab, and what should I tell him when I get in the cab?

Is there some other way (such as a shuttle bus) to get to the hotel?

Thanks.

Mary</font>


A great source for transportaion options from most airports is the airport web site. Here is the shuttle info from the LV airport web site:

http://www.mccarran.com/03_Shuttles_01.asp


------------------
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We usually use "Las Vegas Limos" when arriving in LAS. Right outside the main terminal, they use six pax limos, and although you may have to share the ride, they're usually comfortable, inexpensive ($4.50 per pax to most Strip hotels), and the few extra minutes to get to your destination hotel if they make other stops too, is worth it. No cab meters or hassles to deal with. Check out their website by typing "Las Vegas Limousines" on your search engine.

bj-21.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by blackjack-21:
We usually use "Las Vegas Limos" when arriving in LAS. Right outside the main terminal, they use six pax limos, and although you may have to share the ride, they're usually comfortable, inexpensive ($4.50 per pax to most Strip hotels), and the few extra minutes to get to your destination hotel if they make other stops too, is worth it. No cab meters or hassles to deal with. Check out their website by typing "Las Vegas Limousines" on your search engine.

bj-21.</font>

Last I checked the shared limo service was no longer available and they now use shuttle buses.

QL

Thanks for the update, QL. Last time we were there (July last year), they still used the limos. Guess they found it advantageous to use the vans instead.

bj-21.

UPDATE:

We did report the taxi incident to the taxicab authority, and I am very pleased to say that today we received a check, and an apology from from the cab company. This was a very nice surprise.

Now if only CAT (Citizens Area Transit) would take some responsibility for crime on their buses, the lack of tape in their cameras, and a supervisors unwillingness to even call the police.

UA, glad to hear you received your $ back from the cab company.

Did you call the cab company directly to complain or get the Taxi Authority involved?

hockeystl

[This message has been edited by hockeystl (edited 04-28-2003).]

We just called the Taxi Authority. They took down a bunch of information, and wow a check. I wasn't expecting that.

I go to Vegas every 4-6 months now and have wandered out in front of Luxor at 2am and felt fine. But then again, that may be some of the New York upbringing http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif I only visited downtown Las Vegas on my first trip to Vegas. I found the Fremont Street experience not worth it, so I haven't been back since.

I read on many places the rip-offs that taxi drivers do, especially in Vegas with the tunnel. I've only once taken a taxi in Vegas (from Harrah's to airport) and that was a very quick pleasant trip, almost as cheap as the $4 shuttle.

But since then I've found it so cheap to rent a car I always do. Sure I have some interesting experiences in the subcompacts I rent when I am on my own, but the freedom is worth it. I also stay and gamble mostly off-strip, other than Mandalay Bay/Luxor so it works out good for me.

Sorry you had a bad experience and nothing the rest of us will say can change it. Hope the monetary loss was relatively minimal. Good luck and I'm glad to hear at least the taxi thing was resolved.

Just a quick question.

What should you expect to pay for a taxi from the airport to the Venetian so I know is I am being ripped of or not and is paradise road the best route for this hotel?


Cheers

The best route depends upon the time of day. The most direct route is via Koval Lane into the back of the hotel. There is never a reason to take the Strip. I don't know what the current fare is.

QL

Quiet Lion is correct. Paradise is still a bit messed up due to monorail construction.

Go west on Tropicana, then north on Koval. Fare should be about $10 - depending on how many lights you get caught at.

hockeystl

Did you guys see this on the front page of today's LVRJ? A woman wielding a knife at a Jack-in-the Crack on Lake Mead and MLK was tasered three times, shot with bean bag loads eight times, peppered sprayed once, and when she still wouldnt surrender, shot twice with live rounds and killed??!!!! :eek:

Holy schnykies - there is rocket fuel seeping into your water supply!

Front page: http://www.lvrj.com/

Article: http://www.lvrj.com/breaking_news/7958987.html

Did you guys see this on the front page of today's LVRJ? A woman wielding a knife at a Burger King on Lake Mead and MLK was tasered three times, shot with bean bag loads eight times, peppered sprayed once, and when she still wouldnt surrender, shot twice with live rounds and killed??!!!! :eek:

Holy schnykies - there is rocket fuel seeping into your water supply!

Front page: http://www.lvrj.com/

Article: http://www.lvrj.com/breaking_news/7958987.htmlIt was actually a Jack-in-the-Box on the corner of MLK and Lake Mead Blvd. I was working in that hood (H & Owens), today, and part of MLK was closed for number of hours. My workplace abuzz with talk of how dangerous the neighborhood was.

MLK & Lake Mead is *NOT* a good part of town.

Personally, I'm not concerned with violence at any time of day or night so long as you are in the area covered by casino security cameras. There are places where I would not want to wander beyond them at night, though.

I can't recall of hearing of a single incident affecting an uninvolved person that happened in such an area. There have been a few altercations between people who knew each other (domestic violence, one gang fight that somehow spilled into casino territory), one recent murder by bomb and there have been casino holdups. I can't recall of hearing of a mugging or the like, though.

As with any tourist place, beware of pickpockets and other such stealth crime.


I've been here 17 years. We've been longhauled once, I simply took it out of the guy's tip. That's it.

I've been here 17 years. We've been longhauled once, I simply took it out of the guy's tip. That's it.

I'd rather be longhauled once than tazered thrice and shot twice! (Not to mention the eight beanbags and the pepper spray!) That was one spunky mama! :eek:

There is speculation, not surprisingly, that drugs were involved. There are a fair amount of police shootings in LV and that has been a topic of some concern; it will be interesting to see what the inquiry into this one shows.

There is speculation, not surprisingly, that drugs were involved.

Word up! I didn't go to Famous Detectives school, but I can tell you that a little rocket fuel seeping into the groundwater ( http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/text/2005/aug/12/081210358.html ) didn't get that lady to stand up to tazering, beanbagging, and pepper spray: mama was smoking some serious crystal!

There is speculation, not surprisingly, that drugs were involved. There are a fair amount of police shootings in LV and that has been a topic of some concern; it will be interesting to see what the inquiry into this one shows.

Is there any doubt this one was drugs?

Things like this just don't happen otherwise.

sometimes the most direct route (e.g., surface streets) take more time and can then cost more than the tunnel. I laugh when I hear people complaining about paying $5 or even $10 more for a taxi by getting ripped of via the tunnel while they are pooring $100 bills into a slot machine.

I'd suggest the shuttle buses. I believe they are $4 (+tip) to the hotels on the strip. They make a few stops, but you won't have to deal with greedy cab drivers.

When you come down the escalators into baggage claim, get your luggage, and then go out the doors on the left. You can then buy a ticket, or just pay the driver.

With fuel costs rising, the one way shuttle prices to the strip are between $5 and $6; roundtrip is less than double the ow fare.
The one thing that I don't like about the shuttles is the wait to fill up--it could take a half hour.
One of the companies is the worst I think Belltran (I'm not 100% sure), (1) you frequently wait 30 minutes for a shuttle to appear, (2) another 30 minutes to fill up, (3) they like to use the tunnel--which is generally longer than using back and side streets, (4) their drivers sometimes miss a stop and you wind up being the last passenger to be let off.

If you are a Vegas "virgin" and the cab driver takes the tunnel, this will cost you $5 or so...if that is the most you ever lose in Vegas consider yourself very, very lucky.

In terms of pickpockets--I have walked the Strip at all hours of the day and night dozens of times over the past 15 years with anything from 25 cents to $15,000 in my pockets and never, ever had a problem with pickpockets. I am not a very intimidating looking guy, either. YMMV.

I'd rather be longhauled once than tazered thrice and shot twice! (Not to mention the eight beanbags and the pepper spray!) That was one spunky mama! :eek:

Gil Grissom will solve the puzzle

Word to the wise on any city taking a cab. Call your hotel. Ask them abouts how much a cab fare should be. They'll know. You can then mention this to your taxi driver when you get in. A small variance fo rtraffic is fine but it shouldnt be huge. You should always be wary of carrying cash when traveling.

I can't let this one go. Chris Rock says that any MLK Blvd. is a bad area of town and has a couple of comedy bits about this. Needless to say, if you are on MLK, get the heck off MLK. MLK in DEN isn't a great area either.

How is crime around the Convention Center? There will be a large mass of elderly folks there for the show with some valuable stuff. I would assume that LVPD would have some sizeable presance but then, that would make some sense.

Some a-hole dressed as a cowboy started shooting randomly from the mezzanine at NYNY Casino early this morning, injuring 4 people. TFW? Click here: http://www.lvrj.com/breaking_news/8353047.html

Some a-hole dressed as a cowboy started shooting randomly from the mezzanine at NYNY Casino early this morning, injuring 4 people. TFW? Click here: http://www.lvrj.com/breaking_news/8353047.html

that could happen in any U.S. city where a crowd of people has gathered.

that could happen in any U.S. city where a crowd of people has gathered.

Sure, but this thread is about crime in Vegas; this crime happened in Vegas. The link to read about this crime is to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Here's the latest on the NYNY shootings from the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/8369987.html

that could happen in any U.S. city where a crowd of people has gathered.

It's never happened in any similar venue in Chicago.

BTW Vegas is obsolete...Macau is the new hotness.

I'm a Million Mile Flyer on United Airlines. My wife and I have traveled the world (especially the US) for many years, without ever being robbed anywhere.

We just came home from Las Vegas, after being ripped off twice.

1) Upon arriving in Las Vegas we took a taxi to the Flamingo Hotel. The cab driver decided it was ok to take the long scenic ride on the expressway, in order to overcharge us.

2) We took the bus to Freemont Street and my wife had all her cash stolen by a pickpocket.

Here's what we learned.
You learned this based on a single visit to Las Vegas?

1) Crime appears to be rampant in Las Vegas. We were ripped off twice within 24 hours, and both times in daylight.Tje taxi was a rip-off: you were "tunneled." If you reported the taxi driver to the police he would have been fined. If you refused to pay the taxi bill, the police would have supported you. Did you do either of these things?

2) If you want to file a police report, there is no police station near the center of the strip. You may also find that when you finally get to a police station, that you may have to wait a couple of hours to file the report. It appears they want to keep their crime statistics low.What do you think the police will do about a pickpocket other than to take the report? Do you think that is different from anywhere else in the world?

3) The bus company says they are NOT responsible for crime on their buses. The bus company is right.

They didn't even bother to call 911, even though the thief was still on the bus.How did you know? Did you know who the thief was? Why didn't you call 911?

They also have cameras on the bus, but the driver later told us there was no tape in it.

They say that tourism is down in Las Vegas because of 911, the war in Iraq, the SARS disease, and the bad economy. I've got news for them, we came despite all those issues, but we will now stay away because of all the thieves.[/QUOTE]Every tourist area, both in the U.S. and without, attracts pickpockets. Las Vegas is quite a safe city and certainly as safe as any other American city that attracts a lot of tourism. My wife and I have been there dozens of times without the least problem. For that matter, we've been all over the world with no problem. It's simply a matter of taking some common sense precautions and doing a little research before we go someowhere new.

Las Vegas is one of the few places I can wear one of my Rolexes around without worrying about it. There's tons of money out there, and as has been said that will invite opportunists, but just about everything you do from walking down the street to walking through a casino is on film.

Forgive me for not really feeling sorry for the author, but it sounds like you sat on your hands while all this alleged stuff was going on. Here's some things that i've learned though...

1) Don't look or act like a tourist. At least pretend like you know where you're going. Something as a little as inflection in your voice with cab driver can let him know you're not there for the taking. Getting tunneled really is a minor "rip off" in the grand scheme of things. And, there was something you could have done about it.

2) Don't take the bus anywhere in Vegas. The $20 cab ride is well worth it rather than being herd around like cattle.

Another shooting inside a casino on the Strip: this time in Caesars' Palace. Second shooting inside a casino on the strip in less than a month. Details from the LVRJ: http://www.lvrj.com/breaking_news/8913307.html

Things are much more civilized in Atlantic City. Here, they just use the weapon (http://blog.nj.com/gloucester/2007/07/njsp_seek_publics_help_to_iden.html) to help secure $$$$ from the casino cage.

Much easier to flee the properties in AC --- since the boardwalk is only steps away; though, still amazes me that someone would be so bold to rob a cashier at a casino. Earlier this year, guy grabbed 20K in chips from high limit at Caesars AC and sprinted to the boardwalk; he was apprehended pretty quickly, IIRC.

Posted from my room @ Showboat Casino AC

Earlier this year, guy grabbed 20K in chips from high limit at Caesars AC and sprinted to the boardwalk; he was apprehended pretty quickly, IIRC.

I always think of that power outage scene from the film Ocean's Eleven. Keep telling myself if that ever happens to make sure to grab from the center of the tray. :D

I'm interested in this "tunneling" issue myself. I'm sorry to report that I would have no clue on whether or not the fare was inflated, my first trip there.

I'm interested in this "tunneling" issue myself. I'm sorry to report that I would have no clue on whether or not the fare was inflated, my first trip there.

Short story: Get in the cab, tell the driver where you're going and say "and don't take the tunnel."

Long story: click here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=459161&highlight=tunnel

And here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=713003

Here's the latest on the NYNY shootings from the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/8369987.html

from the artical NYNY said they looked out for the one's that took him down.
do you think they got a full no play needed comp. and also on the next trip. it sounds like it could have gone down alot worse.

4 innocent bystanders were wounded by gunfire yesterday in front of O'Shea's, near Flamingo on the Strip, in what witnesses described as a mini-riot occurred after two men, unknown to each other, accidently bumped into each other on the sidewalk, and started throwing punches and bottles, and ended in gunfire!!! :confused: :rolleyes: :mad: :( http://www.lvrj.com/news/9255111.html

And so far...no arrests. TV news is reporting Metro has increased their presence since the NYNY shooting. Las Vegas is popular with all groups, gun-toting boneheads included.

And so far...no arrests. TV news is reporting Metro has increased their presence since the NYNY shooting. Las Vegas is popular with all groups, gun-toting boneheads included.

Police now suspect local Las Vegas gangs were involved, and are reviewing surveillance photos and seeking the public's help. http://www.lvrj.com/news/9279731.html

Police now suspect local Las Vegas gangs were involved, and are reviewing surveillance photos and seeking the public's help. http://www.lvrj.com/news/9279731.html

I was in Vegas a couple of weeks ago and can vouch for the expanded police coverage along the strip. I literally saw 10 police officers between Harrah's and O'Shea's. Too bad they weren't around when the latest incident happened.

I was in Vegas a couple of weeks ago and can vouch for the expanded police coverage along the strip. I literally saw 10 police officers between Harrah's and O'Shea's. Too bad they weren't around when the latest incident happened.
Well, given that the casinos have a lot at stake.... I'd say they do a decent job "self-policing" and giving the LVPD a hand when stuff breaks down on their properties.

Cops gotta have a rough job in LV... busy busy busy there. I dunno, in Phila they just shoot at suspects....

CA-based gangs cause problems everywhere.. they were causing a lot of problems in Reno/Tahoe in the late 90s too.. that area seems to have quieted down a bit though.

The Tupac shooting was also tied to some LAX-based gang bangers, who in a sad twist of irony.... the chief suspect was also murdered a few years after the Tupac shooting but he was killed in the LA area.

Bullet smashes her love for Las Vegas

California bride-to-be injured in shooting on the Strip says she won't be back


http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2007/aug/30/566637162.html

Bullet smashes her love for Las Vegas

California bride-to-be injured in shooting on the Strip says she won't be back


http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2007/aug/30/566637162.html

Wow.:mad:

With a 4-day trip coming up, I am concerned about the recent wave of crimes in Vegas. Thank you all posters for the heads-up.