Robbed on a train...

I just can't imagine feeling comfortable with storing a passport, passports, or valuables in a bag on a train in any case.

Man, what a huge pain in the butt. I am really sorry for them. how many people in the family (how many passports to replace)?

What a mess, and a good warning. I always like it when a trip ends in a city with a US Embassy. Just in case.

Thank you for posting this and to me the reporting of these kinds of events are helped by your posting history here. I'm sorry you had to witness the aftermath which I am sure was very sad.

Hope you have a nice holiday in Brussels.

Wow, I can't even imagine. However, I would never be outside my hotel room with my passport unless it was in a money belt or an inside zip pocket of my cross body bag.

Ditto Jazz + Travels and Laurie Beth!! My valuables are ON me. Hope it all worked out for them.

A sad lesson to learn.
As others have said, I have everything important in a small crossbody I wear, or a money belt. I have no problem putting my suitcase in the luggage rack at the end of the car, I can't imagine that's much of a target for thieves.

Ugh. How sad to have a wet rag thrown on their holiday trip! :O(

I never trusted my valuables anywhere at all on the trains but ON me, or nearly so. Let's just say I wouldn't nap without practically sitting on my shoulder bag if it had anything irreplaceable in it, like cash or my Canon, or would be a PITA to replace. WengenK, your post was a good reminder to stay on one's toes. Thank you.

It can be bad, or it can be an experience that makes for great stories for years to come.

It is exactly for this sort of occurrence that you don't stash the passport in a backpack, cross bag, day pack, etc . or any type of bag. My passport stays on me, either in a zipped pocket or the neck pouch.