We are frequent travelers, and stay in a variety of locations/resorts. We always try to take on the responsibility of our personal property by either using an in-room safe, front desk safe, or "hiding" things in a crafty manner. Over the years, we have returned to our room at the former Dixie Landings, the Floridian Concierge level, and the Peabody Hotel, only to discover our DOOR OPEN. I mean it was "ajar", as the housekeeper must have thrown the latch when leaving and "intended" to return...but did not. Anyone passing could have easily entered and cleaned us out. We have never had anything missing from these instances (Thank goodness), but have always notified the staff on duty.
On a past trip to the Westin St. Francis, we had something stolen from a bell-cart, but failed to notice it until we were HOME! Since we never used the item while we were there, I did not take note of it missing until we unpacked at home. The most obvious place for the theft was the bell-cart, (by a passing and dishonest patron). Since the carts are left unattended for periods of time (between the process of going from the Valet to the actual Bellman), anyone brazen and criminal enough could have slipped by and "lifted" the item. I never recalled seeing it in the room, and the last place we all recall noticing it was on the bell cart. It was newly purchased just prior to our trip, and cost $980.00. We did nothing, and just painfully chalked it up to experience. We did not contact, blame or criticize any hotel personnel. I'm sur4e we could have, but we enjoy this hotel immensely, and do not believe they were at fault. They can not possibly control the intent or actions of their other guests. We are now MUCH more careful when using Bellman, (which we still always do) and insure one of us "stays" with the cart through the transition from the vehicle to the room.
We have incurred no further incidents.
We have also had various items missing from our room over the years, new magazines we purchased for reading, containers of snacks, new towels tossed atop some hotel brand towels, etc. Most of these incidents are a direct result of "mistakes" (honest) by the housekeeping staff. One in particular was alarming, but rectified almost immediately. Oddly enough, it occurred in Oak Manor, at the former DIXIE LANDINGS resort.
Our DD, then quite young, had inadvertantly left a disney bag with some "Change" on her bed prior to our exit from the room to the parks. The housekeeping staff entered the room while we were absent, to leave some fresh towels and a gift basket sent by a friend. Upon our late return, DD remembered the bag on the bed, as she went to deposit her $$$/coins from the evening. She had counted the contents earlier, and announced the total amount saved with great pride ($68 and some change). She was very upset, and we proceeded to search the room. After a thorough check/double check, we decided to notify the desk. The manager called the room, and my husband explained the details, adding perhaps the housekeeper innocently changed the bedspread and merely "folded" the bag inside. Or, he surmised she/he possibly gathered it by mistake (as refuse). Either way, he made it clear he was not blaming anyone, just concerned about the incident. He added, DD had been saving the $$ for a large stuffed Donald Duck she wished to purchase at DTD.
Within five minutes, as we prepared for bed, there was a knock at the door. Outside were two Disney Security personnel. They asked my DH to please step outside, and they took a statement of the events from him. They were extremely polite, apologizing repeatedly for the trouble, and personally speaking with little DD briefly. She was still emotional.
They assured her they would do their best to locate her bag.
The following eve, we left the room again to visit the parks. Upon our return, we immediately noticed two Disney bags on DD's bed (her bed was obvious, as it also had three plush traveling companions atop the bedding/pillows). DD ran to the bed, and carefully opened the small bag first. Inside, was a note from Mickey Mouse...apologizing for the problems she experienced. There, in the bag, was $68 and change in random coins.
Also, on the bed...in the other bag, was the stuffed Donald Duck she had wished to purchase with her grotto. She was estactic, and we were stunned/impressed. The phone on the table was blinking with a message. My DH listened, and smiled. He then walked just outside the door with me, to inform me it was from the manager of the resort.
He explained the items in the room, and also informed us we were to be his guests (at our convenience) at the Boatwright's Dining Hall restaurant. We were overwhelmed. My DH called the front desk, but the manager was gone for the day. He left a lengthy and very appreciative message on his voice mail. We never expected anything, and had used this incident to explain the lessons of being more careful with valuables to DD (in light of the loss). The "unexpected" nature of these actions, made them all the more magical. We will never forget this kindness.
During another visit two years ago, while shopping in the main gift store in the CR, I set an expensive pair of sunglasses on the counter as I browsed with a sales associate. There was another attendant present behind the counter, which also held my intended purchases. I asked her/him if my things would be safe for a few moments, (pushing the glasses close to the merchandise) and he assured me they would. Well, upon returning...the sunglasses were GONE. The sales associates were mortified, and seemingly more upset than I was over the incident. I was not staying at the resort at the time of the theft, just dining/shopping. There wasn't much they could do, as I had left the glasses there willingly. Someone must have been listening/watching, and walked by as the counter associate turned/moved away, etc. It only took a second, and they were gone.
I waited (as instructed), and called the next day to see if anyone had turned them into the store/resort. Still, no glasses. DH decided to drive with me to the resort, and personally speak with the associate whom was on duty the previous day. She was so kind, and wrote some things on a piece of paper, instructing us to go to the front desk and hand the paper to the CM. This was in the evening, and we did as she said. A secret-service (looked like it!) associate appeared from another room, and took a few notes. He disappeared behind a door, then reappeared a short time later with cash in his hand. He held it out, and asked me if this would be acceptable? I told him it was "close enough", and smiled as I took the generous offer. He informed me of the little-known policy of this exchange (some "mouse" rule which I'm unable to recall), and apologized for the problem. Amazing. Again, we were both impressed, and stunned.
There are dishonest people wherever you go. They are employed in every facet of life. Each person is free to do as they wish, and also free to handle such loss/incidents as they see fit. I'm not posting my experiences to cast judgement on anyone who has suffered a loss on property, and called the police/security. Each to his/her own. I'm just urging each of us to remember to keep it all in perspective. After all, it is only material belongings..."things", if you will. As long as you and your family are physically unhurt, everything else should be okay (in comparison). It is tragic, to permit the loss of an item or some $$$, to ruin the memories of beloved "family time" shared together. This time is more precious than all the "things" we own, or will ever acquire/own.
TTFN....DF99
I'm a bit leary of leaving my laptop out...but I always do (at every resort), and have yet to experience any problems (as I tap on my wooden desk...LOL). I'm looking forward to the days when ALL the resorts offer the wireless keyboard/mouse option via broadband on the televisions. I'm sure it's just around the corner, and will either be included in your resort fees or available for a nominal cost. The "future" of these possibilities truly excites me! 
