The Strip itself
The pedestrian bridges and casino properties are heavily patrolled 24 hours. Property security is faster than Metro Police for most incidents. Pickpocketing is real in dense crowds around the Bellagio fountains and Fremont Street after 10pm; keep wallets in front pockets. The costumed characters (Elmo, Minnie Mouse) work for tips and can get aggressive; a $2 tip is enough if you accept a photo.
CBD flyer handlers on the Strip are legal but ignore them; taking one starts a hard sell.
Neighborhoods to avoid at night
North Las Vegas beyond the Strat gets sketchy fast; do not walk from downtown to the north Strip. East of the Strip past Paradise Road gets industrial and empty. West of the Strip past I-15 is mostly deserted. The stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard between downtown and the Strat is where most tourist incidents happen. Uber it, do not walk.
Reno's Fourth Street corridor east of downtown has a visible homeless presence; not particularly dangerous, but avoid at night.
Common scams
Fake ride-share drivers at LAS baggage claim; only use the designated rideshare pickup areas upstairs. Overpriced 'limo' rides ($150 to the Strip). Timeshare pitches disguised as show ticket discount offers. Three-card monte on Fremont. Someone insisting you 'won a free show'; you will spend 3 hours in a sales presentation.
In Vegas, if a stranger approaches you with a deal, it is a scam. Casinos and legitimate businesses never solicit on the sidewalk.
Good to know
Is Las Vegas dangerous for tourists?+
Statistically no. Violent crime on the Strip is rare and mostly domestic. Property crime and scams are the real risks. Use hotel safes and stick to well-lit areas after midnight.
Can I carry cash safely on the Strip?+
Yes, but split it. Keep the bulk in a hotel safe and carry only what you plan to spend that night. ATMs are everywhere if you need more.
Is it safe to walk between casinos at 2am?+
On the central Strip via pedestrian bridges, yes. On surface streets or in parking garages alone, no. Rideshare is $6 to $10 between properties.
What is the emergency number?+
911 works statewide. On Strip properties, hotel security responds faster than Metro Police; every casino has a security desk on the floor.