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We are taking our first trip to New Orleans on Amtrak over Christmas. A friend of ours that travels alot in Europe by rail warned us about security on the trains. Is there a problem on Amtrak with people entering your sleeper cars at night and stealing from you or is this a problem primarily in Europe? Posts: 1 | From: Minneapolis, MN, USA | Registered: Dec 2001
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Theft from sleeping accomodations is very rare on Amtrak. I've personally never heard of it actually happening. I've often left my camera unattended at coach seats (out of sight, of course) and haven't had a problem.
Take precautions, of course. Keep valuables hidden under the seats, in a suitcase, or in the closed upper bunk, not out on the seats or the table. If there's something of value that can't be replaced you may want to keep it with you at all times or check it in the baggage car. In the unlikely event that something is missing notify your car attendant immediately, preferably before the next stop.
One other thing I do with my camera. I don't actually take a camera case on board. I keep teh camera in a small travel bag. A camera case advertises to anyone who sees it "camera inside." A travel bag may or may not contain any actual valuables, so someone is less likely to get into it in the first place.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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Amtrak is generally a lot safer than certain European trains. The sleeper cars are separated from the rest of the train by the diner where there is nearly always staff who may challenge anybody who they don't remember being in a sleeper. The points already made by others I agree with, just one thing to add, and that is you can't lock your sleeping compartment from outside (eg if you go off for dinner). Basically, don't leave anything valuable visible.
Geoff M.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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