Whether you are a traveler with a love of casinos or an appreciation for nightlife, Las Vegas is a place that makes it to the go-to list of several travelers every year. After all, there is more than one reason why the number of visitors to Las Vegas in the United States amounted to 40.83 million in 2023.
While Las Vegas can sound like a great place to visit, it also has high crime rates. From gang activity to theft and robbery, several factors can lead tourists to feel unsafe in Sin City.Â
These threats are real, but that does not mean that you cannot have a safe experience visiting Nevada’s most famous city. If you are thinking about traveling to Vegas for the first time, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Avoid Roaming Past the Crowds
Things like security officers, metal detectors, pat-downs, and security cameras are all in place to make Las Vegas a safer place for travelers. Most popular tourist areas are safe and regularly patrolled by the local police force. Hence, tourists can feel comfortable here.
The problem usually arises when tourists stray away from populated paths. If you accidentally step into the slums, your chances of facing gang activity increase significantly. Likely, these areas are not even patrolled by the local police, leading to a higher risk of unfortunate incidents.
In order to maximize your safety, make sure that you stay on The Strip on Las Vegas Boulevard. These areas are marked safe for tourists and regularly patrolled.Â
Arrange for Transportation
If you are traveling to Las Vegas by plane, you cannot consider walking to your accommodation. Of course, you will need to rent a car or get a taxi to reach your destination safely. If you fly into McCarran International Airport, you can also benefit from the shuttle bus.
However, it is always a good idea to pre-book your transportation before you land in Las Vegas or rely on the local bus service from one point to another. It is never a good idea to walk to your destination, especially after sundown.Â
Drive Safely
If you have decided to rent a car or have come to Las Vegas by road, the first and most important thing you must do is to remove all valuable items from within and move them to a safer location. Break-ins are fairly common in Las Vegas, and you must always be prepared for the worst.
It is always a good idea to ensure that you park in a well-lit and patrolled area. When headed to a tourist attraction, always make sure to use guiding apps for help. These applications can ensure that you do not wander off to the wrong area.
Pick a Hotel Room with Care
If you are planning to stay in Las Vegas for some days, you will surely need a hotel room for accommodation. While several options are available in Las Vegas at every step, you must take this step after a lot of consideration.
Before booking a hotel, make sure that you read their reviews, especially when it comes to a matter as important as security. Despite their best efforts, hotels cannot guarantee complete guest safety. Hence, it is always a good idea for you to look for Las Vegas Hotel and Casino Injury Lawyers besides suitable hotel rooms.
Even when you choose the safest hotel rooms, make sure that you always take precautionary measures to ensure your safety. You must never leave your door open, even if you are heading down the wall for a second to get ice.Â
Stay Vigilant
While local police and authorities do their best to ensure the safety of tourists, you can never completely let your guard down. You must always keep an eye around you to notice any strange behavior or suspicious activity.
Whether you are in a bar or a casino, it is crucial for you to always have an exit strategy in mind and create a plan of action accordingly. This way, you can safely make your way out of the space in case something goes wrong.
While it is rare, you must remain calm even if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. Always play smart, not brave. Most of your well-being relies on your own actions when you are in Las Vegas.
Mind Your Belongings
Pickpocketing is one of the most common crimes in Las Vegas. Since this place is filled with tourists at all times, pickpockets have all types of tricks up their sleeves to make the best of your vulnerabilities. You can never let your guard down.
If you are carrying a shoulder bag, make sure you always keep it under your arm. In addition, you must never put them on the floor either. Pickpockets in Las Vegas are very experienced and great at what they do. You cannot expect mercy from them.
If you are only carrying a wallet, it is best to ensure that it is always in your front pocket. You can also wrap a thick wallet around it to make it harder to pull from your pocket. This way, you can restrict a pickpocket from easily sliding it out and fleeing the scene.
Skip Expensive Gear
While most tourists visit Las Vegas to have the time of their lives and look their best, it is always recommended to avoid wearing expensive jewelry when you are out. Expensive jewelry can draw unwanted attention to you and make you a victim of a targeted crime.
Instead of adding bling to your look with jewelry, you can wear shimmery dresses to make your look stand out.
Even if you shop for expensive items on your visit, make sure that you keep them safe in your hotel room. It is even better to consider keeping them at the front desk. Before submitting your items, make sure you take pictures of the items you deposited to be kept as evidence.
