Richard Abowitz writes for the Las Vegas Weekly in addition to being the author of one of our favorite blogs, the LA Times Movable Buffet. As an aside, he's currently writing a profile of Anthony Curtis for the Weekly, but that's another story.
Knowing that we know people in all walks of casino life, Richard contacted us yesterday morning having seen the story reported by TMZ that Kelly Monaco, co-star of the new Peepshow topless burlesque revue at Planet Hollywood, had had her penthouse suite at the property broken into while she was sleeping. He wanted to gauge our opinion as to whether the story was true, or even remotely plausible, or merely PR hype to promote the show. So, we contacted our surveillance expert to see what light he could shed on the story. What follows is his take on it:
First off, however, here are the "facts," as reported by gossip columnist Norm Clarke in Sunday's Las Vegas-Review Journal:
"An intruder who entered a Las Vegas penthouse suite while 'General Hospital' star Kelly Monaco was sleeping was quickly apprehended by police, a source said. Monaco, who won the first season of "Dancing With the Stars" and co-stars with Spice Girl Mel B in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood Resort, was asleep but then heard someone rummaging in her living room area at the hotel. 'It was a random act. She was not targeted,' and she did not encounter the burglar, the source said.
(We read elsewhere that she hid behind a couch.)
The incident occurred early Thursday, and a man was arrested that same day, the source said.
Here's what our trusty casino surveillance/security source had to say on the matter:
It's very plausible in many ways but if it did happen, more than likely it was an inside job. I'll address each possible scenario.
The public elevator will allow anyone with the correct code, key, or card key (depending on the system used) to access the penthouse. Though these keys, codes, etc., are regulated, numerous casino/hotel employees (as well as others) have them. For example, security guards have the ability to gain access to any floor via the public elevators as do the casino shift managers for the sake of customer service, paramedic, or fire rescue access. In fact security is encouraged to use public elevators as they -- the security guards -- are the "visible threat" to theft, or a vandalism deterrent, whereas surveillance is the "invisible threat."
If the elevator requires a code, the person staying in the penthouse could have given the code to expected visitors and said pass code (or duplicated pass card key) can get passed around and compromised that way. Fire Department officials also have the codes or pass keys to gain access to any floor for safety reasons. This is enough to establish plausibility as far as the public elevator goes.
Now let's look at the service elevator. Other employees, including maids, maintenance workers, butlers, and even concierges, have passkeys for cleaning, room preparations, or to deliver special requests such as a bathtub filled with Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a mistress, or whatever. So, again, it's quite possible for access to the penthouse level to be gained via that route.
Most people forget about the fire exit. Since elevator use during a fire is prohibited or at least not recommended, there must be a concrete fire exit protected by a fire door. This door must remain unlocked at all times as per Nevada fire code. This leaves the option of taking the public elevator to the floor just below the penthouse and then hoofing it up the stairs. Very sneaky and again establishes plau
