Poll : 26 February - 11 March 2014

Analysis

Thanks to everyone who participated in this survey, which yielded some really interesting results, both in terms of the voting and feedback you emailed us, some representative examples of which you'll find below:

• "As an annual visitor, I see much of the problem arising from the limitations imposed on casino security and the increase in dark secluded areas in/out of the casinos, which are now renting space to others so much that they're losing control of the own clientele and decency codes for attire, language, etc." [Ed" That's a timely observation, in light of the $500k fine imposed on MGM Resorts Int'l last week for illegal activities that took place in a tenant venue, namely House of Blues. The latter took swift action in terminating those involved, but it's the latest in a string of similar scenarios that took place at Planet Hollywood (where an entire nightlife complex was closed as a result), Palms, and Hard Rock.]
  
  
• "I chose 'Other' because I agree with the first response and parts of the seventh one down on the list: I often come to Vegas by myself, or I am out-and-about on my own when I go with friends. I often walk to Ellis Island and back from Las Vegas Boulevard and I have walked down the Strip late at night with a buzz, but I do so by bouncing from one casino to the next. The same goes for downtown. I have walked from Main Street Station at 2 a.m. by crossing the bridge to the California and crossing the street to the Vegas Club. I find that paying attention to the time, your sobriety, and your surroundings are crucial when you are out at night by yourself, or even with friends. Most importantly, if you are someone's wingman or woman, DO NOT leave them alone to the mercy of the Strip. Walk them back to their room, tuck them in, and then head out for fun. I see this [abandonment] happen [with poor results] way too often in Vegas." [Ed: Good points, all.]
  
  
• "We had A LOT of money stolen out of our safe in our room at a high-end casino on the Strip. We have been going to Vegas for 20 years and that was the first time anything bad had happened (this was in 2011). I would now advise others always to call the police [in a similar situation], we let the hotel handle things and it did not turn out well for us."
  
  
• "I think the Strip and Fremont Street are safe. However, I do not venture away from them on foot -- it just doesn't look too friendly in those areas just off-Strip or Fremont. Also, I have been robbed in my room. Too much booze and an opportunistic young lady took advantage of me." [Ed: Ah, yes, an all-too-familiar scenario. We live and learn, eh?!]
  
  
• "I'm a regular visitor and generally feel safe, except on the bridges--like islands with shady folks just hanging out. Plus there are the 3-card-monte and shell-game con-men, who should be stopped. I see the same operators and their fake tourists every visit. I'm not bothered by water/ sunglasses sellers, however."
  
  
• "I knew of someone who had money taken out of their room by a maid and I've been rear-ended, so I understand the comment about driving. There are some areas that I wouldn't go, but all-in-all the city is just as safe as any other of that size."
  
  
• "I feel safe everywhere except as a pedestrian. Not only are the drivers out to get us, but the entire system is set up to make our lives a living hell. Even on the Strip, the elevators are scheduled to be out of service for weeks at a time. What are we to do?" [Ed: We take your point, for sure, but would also add that there are some offenders in the pedestrian department, too, who step out into the street without looking, jay-walk in ludicrous situations -- like the freeway! -- and so on. A friend of this writer saw a tourist killed on the Strip when they kept backing up from their vantage point on the central median, in their quest for that perfect camera angle... Eventually, they backed up right into the oncoming traffic and the path of a double-decker bus! Next time, just buy a postcard, eh?! ]
  
  
• "I feel like Fremont Street has gotten out of control with the panhandlers and the transients, and I don't necessarily feel safe walking around anymore. I feel like at any given time we could be assaulted, or at least pick-pocketed. We don't feel a strong police presence [there]."
  
  
• "About 10 years ago, we were accosted with a gun while entering our car in the Trop self-park. I was able to keep the gun pointed away from us while my husband got the car started and pulled away, leaving the assailant behind. We have never again parked in self-park in Vegas. We always use valet." [Ed: We don't blame you. But how heroic and quick-thinking you both were. Bravo!}
  
  
• "Hell, I stay downtown. What is this 'safe' thing you are talking about?" [Ed: It's that little box in your room for putting your valuables in ;-) At least in theory... (see above),]
  
  
• "i feel safest anywhere but the tourist areas. Next would be downtown (the guy wearing the thong is disturbing, but he doesn't make me feel unsafe). The Strip, on the other hand, is crowded and dirty, with porn slappers, drunks, and an increased number of costumed panhandlers making it difficult to get around."
  
  
• "I always feel safe, but then I am always am 'carrying'."
  
  
• "I feel pretty secure in and around the busy casinos on the Strip and downtown, and I DO feel safe venturing away from those areas by car by day (there are loads of good stores in Vegas for beads, fabric, antiques, vintage, and just about anything else you could want). I stick to the Strip at night!"
  
  
• "I think your second choice, 'It's a cliche,' is probably true to some extent, but at the same time are there any big cities where it isn't less safe now than back in the day?"
  
  
• "What we hear in the news might be skewed to one side or another. Asking locals would probably shed more light on security and safety. Common sense approach: Watch your surroundings; ask the security personnel; take precautions. The criminal element is probably looking for the easy prey, so just be vigilant and smart." [Ed: Well said.]
  
  
• "I live in Las Vegas. I hate to be blunt but I am a veteran of the US Army and not a wuss like most people are these days. I am not scared of anything in Vegas."
  
  
• "Being from Cleveland, this all seems quite normal to me."