Unfortunately, this age of prosperity, along with issues of national proportions, brings problems that can affect the very people that support Las Vegas, the tourists. Las Vegas now has gangs, street crime and all the other social problems associated with large cities, especially those that have a steady transient population bringing tons of cash.

Two of the safest areas in the country are the Las Vegas Strip and the Fremont Experience, downtown. They are heavily patrolled by Las Vegas Metro (police) and literally thousands of casino/hotel security people. Usually, the only problems that occur in these areas are caused by over indulgent tourists. What ever problems do happen are taken care of quickly and quietly. I have walked these areas at all times, day or night and have never had a problem.

From the moment you step onto a Strip or Downtown property and most of the major off Strip places, you are being watched. Closed circuit cameras cover as much area as possible. There is very little that goes on anywhere in these hotel/casinos that is not being watched...and, it's all recorded on video tape.

Safe? Yes. 100% free from crime? No. Here are some hints to make your trip to Las Vegas from becoming a tragedy.

Crowds

Anywhere crowds gather, like those who watch the pirate battles and fountain shows, you will find pickpockets. They usually work in teams. One part of the team, sometimes called the "bump", distracts you (the mark) while the "hook" picks your pocket. Various methods are used to distract you from just bumping into you, to squirting you with mustard or burning your exposed skin with a cigarette. It does not take long for pros to relieve you of your valuables.

Sometimes they "search" for your valuables by yelling, "Hey Bill, watch it. There are pickpockets in the crowd." This usually results in people patting their pockets where they keep their wallets. Guess who is watching?

Keep your valuables secure. Front pockets are better than back pockets. Buttoned pockets are better than unbuttoned and zippered ones are the best. If you carry a purse or bag make sure it is zipped shut and has a strong strap. It's a good idea to keep it between your arm and your body with the zipper against your body and your arm going through the strap.

Try to carry travelers checks instead of cash and limit how many credit cards you carry.

Casinos

Stay in the public areas; do not wander off into unattended or "employee only" areas. Keep track of your gaming checks; they are almost the same as cash. While it is easy to get distracted at the gaming tables, try to keep an arm or one hand over them. When you cash out (lucky you) do not turn around from the casino cashier until you have put your cash away. Flashing it around only brings unwanted attention from people you do not want to meet. Think of any cash transaction as the same as one at your local ATM machine.

Hotels

The following may seem obvious but some people just do not heed this advise. If someone knocks on your hotel door, do not open it until you have verified who it is. If you are expecting room service or another hotel employee, look through the peep hole. These people are supposed to stand where you can see them. If they are standing off to the side or just don't look right, call hotel security and express your concerns; they will check to see if that person is on the level or not. If you decide to open the door, leave the safety device engaged so the door can not be forced all the way open. Ask to see the employee's ID card. Trust your instincts. Again, if thing do not add up, call security. As for non employee, strangers who come knocking, call security immediately. Most likely it will be someone knocking or trying to get in the wrong door but no need to take a chance.

Self Parking

While going to your car, especially late at night, be aware of who is near you. Sure, security is on duty and you are on camera but it only takes a few seconds to become a victim. Again, trust those instincts. If you feel unsafe or seem some people between you and your car that give you second thoughts, go back and ask a security guard to walk you to your car. This goes for everyone, men and women alike.

Looking Around

Some people get bored with casinos, hotels and touristy stuff. They want to wander around and see the "real" Las Vegas. Like any other city there are some areas that are okay and others you might want to drive through with the windows up and doors locked.

Prostitution

For those who would rather pay for sex than find a willing partner in a social situation, be aware that prostitution is illegal anywhere in Clark County, where Las Vegas happens to be. That nice hooker with the sweet smile might be one of Las Vegas's metro officers - not the kind of date you wanted. Prostitutes in LV have one of the highest AIDS infection rates in the country, not to mention other STDs. Since their mission in life is to get your money, sometimes they do not hold up their end (so to speak) of the contract but get your money, and maybe your wallet and watch, anyway.

If you just have to, there is legal prostitution about sixty miles from the Strip in Pahrump (Nye County This is not a endorsement or a suggested "must do". However, since it is regulated with mandatory medical tests for the prostitutes, it is a better idea than taking a chance of catching something you would not want to take home, getting robbed by your "date" or getting smacked over the head by some pimp or other low-life. If you spend the night you can go to Red Rock Canyon on the way back. Before you head out on Nevada state road 160 to Pahrump, you might want to check at the bell desk. There is a local movement to make prostitution illegal in Nye county.

Drinking

Drinks here are free or inexpensive. The low humidity leads to the need to replace body fluids and sometimes it gets done with bar drinks. It is easy to drink more than you intend. Enjoy yourself but try not to over indulge. Most of the legal problems tourists get into are caused by drinking or drug use. Being in a stupor, no matter how safe an area you are in, leaves you defenseless to those who will take advantage of you. For those power drinkers who drink 'til they drop, about the only way to stay safe is to have someone you know agree to be the designated non drinker to make sure nothing bad (except maybe a hangover) happens.

Please, do not drink and drive. The police may be understanding about tourists' minor infractions. This does not apply when it comes to those who drive while intoxicated.

Millions of people wander around Las Vegas every year with no problems. Do not get lulled into a false sense of security. Be aware of what is going on around you and do not stray far from the beaten path. Drink responsibly. Most of all, use common sense and trust your instincts.

Good luck on your next trip to Las Vegas.