According to the FBI the most dangerous of all the 50 States is Nevada.

Most crimes are usually perpetrated between residents but recently more tourists are being targeted. Hardly a day goes by where you don't hear about a violent crime in Las Vegas.

Until recently I never gave a second thought to my safety or the security of my things in Las Vegas. Once you've been the victim of a crime your perspective changes.

Traveling on business and pleasure I've been in many hotels (in and out of Vegas) and never gave a second thought to the safety of my belongings in my hotel room. We've all seen the "Do not leave Valuables' in the room" sign but how many of us pay attention to it? Then one day my laptop and brief case were stolen. The guy was visible on the security tapes (of course the hotel said this has never happened before). But it was an inside job the maid had scoped out the room found my laptop (hidden in the closet) advised her accomplice and you know what happens next.

My friends Mom had her purse stolen in a casino while she was playing a slot machine. Again the guy was visible on the security tapes and again the hotel said this never happens but that didn't change the fact that her purse including all her money and ID were all gone.

Will this stop us from going to Vegas? Of course not! Will we be smarter the next time? That's a lock.

Caption - The Wynn Las Vegas employs state of the art security throughout the property.

We've all heard the stories of the extreme security measures the casinos employ. I think this is one reason we have a false sense of security in Vegas. Consider this... the new mega-resorts on the strip will have the latest digital surveillance systems. If the hotel/casino is older than 20 years they probably update their gear, personnel training and practices less frequently. Also keep in mind the casino security and hotel security are not the same. How much money does the hotel have at risk in the casino compared to its exposure in the rooms? Guest safety is important but not as important as the safety of the casino's money. So it's a safe bet that the best security is not where your stuff is.

My advice to ensure a safe fun trip... use some common sense before you go and more importantly while you're there.

Ladies clean your purse and guys empty your wallets. Take only the ID, credit cards and stuff you need. If you don't need your check book, library card and extra bank and credit cards leave them at home.

However an extra ID when you travel is always a good idea. In Vegas you'll also need your Social Security Card if you hit a big jackpot.

Don't vary your routine. If you don't carry a bag at home don't start in Vegas you will forget it somewhere.

Security experts recommend fanny packs just remember to check it when someone bumps into you and get the type with the reinforced bottom to prevent pickpockets from slicing it open to get at your valuables.

Take very little cash... use travelers checks, apply for casino credit or send the casino your gambling money before you go.

Personally I'm not a traveler's check user it's too much of a hassle however the new credit card style is very convenient.

Casino credit is kind of a misnomer. There is no credit check involved and they are actually not extending you any credit. Your limit is usually based on your checking account balance for the last six months. When you walk up to a table and hand the pit boss your player's card and say five. The dealer will give you $500 in chips. A little while later the pit boss will ask you to sign a piece of paper called a marker. This paper is actually a bank draft or check. If you don't settle with the casino before you leave they will attempt to collect your markers by depositing them in your checking account (they don't break fingers and legs anymore... I think). It's always a good idea to buy back (cash or check) your markers before you leave.

Having money on deposit at the casino is almost the same as a marker you can withdraw cash from the cage or tables. This works really well when you win a big jackpot and don't want to carry a lot of cash.

High rollers sometimes leave their money in a safety deposit box in the casino's vault. These are no different than the ones found at your neighborhood Bank of Hawaii.

Don't carry all your cash in one place... put some in your wallet and some in a pants pocket.

There are many other precautions you can take but common sense and a little paranoia should prevail.

Harrahs' and eBay are hiding $1,000,000 on the strip visit  www.KimosVegas.com for the link to enter.

Get more Kimo's Vegas in both issues of MidWeek and with Brickwood Galuteria Friday Morning at 7:20 on Hawaiian 105 KINE.