Sue is absolutely right. I was a Las Vegas 'local' in the late 70's and early 80's. Most crime around the casinos is indeed hushed up, can't hurt the tourist count. And there is a place just a little north of downtown called North Las Vegas, which has a tremendous gang problem, but has anyone ever heard of North Las Vegas? [outside of the locals?] NO. The glitz is certainly an illusion. And you don't want to walk around looking like a gold display from the nearest jeweler. Someone will relieve you of it.