WCSO Stepping up Patrols to Prevent Looting

Casinos throughout Nevada were closed Wednesday along with other nonessential businesses following an unprecedented order from Gov. Steve Sisolak, who urged people to go home and stay there to help contain the coronavirus pandemic. The monthlong freeze on gambling shuts down not only the well-known casinos of Reno and Las Vegas— it also extends to slot machines and other devices found in groceries and convenience stores. How to enforce the shutdowns was left to local officials. Washoe Sheriff Darin Balaam said deputies have stepped up unified patrols with Reno and Sparks police, partly out of concern for potential looting or break-ins at shuttered storefronts.