<p>Older D used a small lock box we found at Wal-Mart and did fine with that. As others have said, you do have to hide it. She also used a lock on her computer.</p>
<p>Younger D uses a lock on her computer and has LoJack installed. We also got one of these GREAT footlockers from C & N - [Trunks</a> - Trunks made in the USA. A great trunk for camp or college.](<a href=“http://www.cnmfg.com/]Trunks”>http://www.cnmfg.com/). They are really nice and felt like it could follow her through life - become a coffee table in an apartment, etc. You can get wheels for the back so it can be pulled. She stores stuff in the bottom that she doesn’t use much but might need - a heating pad, an ice bag, “medicine bag” (stocked with stuff for a cold, stomach ache, etc.), electric blanket, iron, generic gifts, etc. There is a tray in the top where she can put her laptop is she wants, money, small purse, etc. It rolls right under her bed and has worked out great!</p>
<p>As far as theft in dorm rooms, you do have the occassional intruder as franglish mentioned, but I think most theft occurs as a crime of opportunity. A laptop is left lying out, it is taken. A cellphone, camera, money or a wallet are thrown on a dresser, they disappears. If kids are just diligent about not leaving valuables lying around, they will be okay.</p>