LAS VEGAS -- Metro Police are working hard to ensure a visit to Las Vegas is a safe one, reminding visitors to pay close attention to their personal belongings.
On the Las Vegas Strip, tourists from all over the country take in the bright lights. They bring big bags and purses filled with personal items.
Metro says thieves are looking for easy victims - targeting unwatched bags, wallets, purses and/or phones.
Sgt. Jerry McDonald heads up Metro's Tourist Safety Detail. He says Strip crimes are decreasing, but it's up to visitors to help police keep that trend going.
"The biggest thing to let the tourists know is to pay attention. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially at night." McDonald said. "(At) LVMPD, we just want people to be a little bit more cognizant of what's going on around them, and they'll be fine here."
Sharon Fagan is visiting from Ontario, Canada. She says you can't be too careful when it comes to protecting your stuff.
"Safety sake, we've been told people can grab and run, and they are always looking for people with money out for showing." Fagan said. "One shoulder is too easy to snatch and grab."
Metro stepped up patrols with weekend operations known as "Safe Strip". Officers in uniforms and plain clothes hit the Strip during busy times to keep an eye out for people up to no good.
Police say in-room burglaries are up from last year and recommend storing important items in the safes provided in hotel rooms.
Another tip from Metro is to ensure doors and windows are locked. If you see something suspicious, report it.
