I was fortunate enough to read the threads about saddlebag thefts in the Vegas area before headed out there last week. I replaced the quick release system tamper-proof bolts, and replaced the bolts on the brackets with tamper-proof as well.

Left Texas on Sunday night, Rolled into Vegas on Tuesday. Got to the Rio and parked where both the Valet and the guy at the registration counter advised. The next morning, I get out to the bike and find one saddlebag just sitting on the ground, and the other loose.

It turns out that they pryed open the saddlebag lids, removed the front tamper-proof bolts, and removed the bolts on the rear brackets. Apparently, by looking the rear bolt on the the left saddlebag (which they did't get all the way off), they used plyers or vice grips to grip the bolts and backed them out. They were apparently scared off before finishing, else I would be short 2 bags.

The bags were damaged by being pryed open, and they are now scratched by hitting the guards. I lost the rear bracket for the right bag, and got to spend most of that day tracking one down to replace it (with some pretty high cab fares).

The Rio Hotel and Casino really took care of me though.... Offering absolutely NOTHING. They wouldn't even replace the tickets I had purchased to attend a show in their hotel that day, which I could not attend as I was at a Harley dealer getting a new bracket. They would not allow me (a police officer) to view the video footage, and straight up said "it's not our problem". "We are not responsible for damages to your vehicle".

Nonetheless, I am thankful for the heads up from the folks at this forum. 2 scratched saddlebags that are harder to close definately beat 2 missing bags any day. Now, we just have to find some better way to secure these bags, and find a way to convince Vegas security and Metro police to start putting some effort into catching and punishing these ********.

 

That's a pity and a pisser. In a twisted way you'd almost be better off if they had stolen the whole bike.

 

Like I said in the other thread. Maybe some of us need to get together and go out there. Set up a little sting, and take care of the problem. (I'm not really serious, but it might be the most effective way to put a stop to it.)

 

Damn, that blows. I guess you just need to park next to more baggers next time - you don't have to outrun the bear.

 

Camden sucks! Sorry for you!!!

 

Unfortunately, there weren't any others. Just Goldwings and BMW's. That made me the lucky winner.

 

So, we've learned once again that Vegas is full of as#wipe petty thieves, LVPD is incapable of or disinterested in stopping them and that the casinos that suck up your cash could give a crap less. Why do you guys keep going back there.

 

Yeah but their cops sure like being on TV harassing/busting people on the strip!

 

similar experience with Flamingo "security" when my truck was broken into and the contents stolen.

I had parked right in front of a CCTV.

I realized later they discouraged me from making LVPD report only to keep the "statistics" down.
I fell for the line that they would deal with this "in house".

Have not stayed at the Flamingo since.

Much as they want us to think it is disneyland, LV is a haven for meth freaks.

Sorry OP had such a crappy LV experience, which in the end will affect the living of all the folks who live on wages.

Mike

 

Bet you wont be going back to that chithole hotel!

When my broinlaws bike was stolen from the Grand, security let him watch the video of the theif riding his bike away which did not help.