Has anything changed in Vegas since the 9/11 terrorist attacks?
Question: How safe is Vegas?
Answer: Vegas is like most other major American cities in that as long as you stay to the heavily trafficked tourist areas, the worst you may have to worry about is a pickpocket. All of the hotels have massive security systems (cameras, guards, etc.) and since that's probably where you'll be spending most of your time, you can feel relatively safe.
But also like most major American cities, if you wander off the well-lit path, you could be putting yourself in danger. The areas around The Strip and especially around the Downtown area are not the nicest in the world. You'll be fine if you're just driving through, but don't go walking around if you don't have to, especially at night.
Leave purses and the like in your room and carry money and keys in front, interior pockets. This will make you less likely targets for purse-snatchers and other thieves, whom are rare on The Strip but they are out there.
Also make sure that when you are in your rooms to keep the safety deadbolts locked and to review the fire safety information as soon as you get there.
As long as you follow the same sort of common sense measures you would in any city you should be fine.
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Question: Have there been any noticeable changes in Vegas security since the terrorist attacks?
Answer: Although we're being told that security is still heightened at all of the major resorts and attractions in Las Vegas, most of that is invisible to the naked eye. The bulk of what the hotels are doing involves adding security personnel to keep an eye out for any suspicious activities.
However there are some outward signs that we're living in a different world now. For instance at certain hotels you need to show a valid driver's license to be able to enter the self-parking garage and at some places, security personnel are doing extra checks on all cars coming into the valet area (looking in trunks, etc.).
Some hotels have even begun restricting their valet parking areas to registered hotel guests but this is rare and usually only enforced on busy weekend evenings.
But for the most part, the hotels have gone to great lengths to make sure that their increased security measures are not noticeable. After all, Vegas is about escaping those kinds of harsh realities and the last thing they want to do is remind people of any dangers that may be lurking.
So the answer is yes, there is extra security in Vegas these days but you may never see it.
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