Well Amtrak specifically tells one that they are not responsible for electronics brought on board by the passengers. And on one of my trips on the Empire Builder, my SCA actually had a pair of $70 or so sunglasses stolen out of his room. Even though we didn't realize it and get a chance to talk in person, EBOBS was actually on that same run and when one of us started talking about that theft here on the board, we quickly realized that we'd been on the same train. It was suspected that a couple of young kids lifted those glasses, but never proven to my knowledge. And my poor attendant, who otherwise IMHO was very good at his job, was not happy.
So theft does occur on the trains. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. So one should take precautions. Put your valuables either out of sight or bring them with you. I generally lock my laptop to the seat recline bar and throw a pillow over it. Other things are put into the suitcase. And money, wallets, purses, always go with us when we leave the room.
It is very unlikely that a theft will occur, especially if you take steps to hide things. Leaving something of value like an iPod however out in plain site is an invitation to trouble.
I second or third the french fry thing too, and I bake mine
