Theoretically couldn't someone just take the whole safe if they were truly intent on stealing and it is a small box?

Exactly. If they could take the 35 pound safe and pry it open more power to them. I guess she's just worried about them thinking different of her, since she feels the need to protect her things. Oh well. I'll let her know its something to worry about only if she gets a bid.

I suggest using something that doesn't look like a safe. I know people who use hollowed out books, peanut butter jars, ajax jars. etc. Then she could wait a few months, see if her roommate is trustworthy or thinks she's paranoid and go from there. Or just leave the valuables at home for a few months and see what she can live without!

If she stores it in a closet and doesn't advertise it, then who's going to know she even has it?

Our Chapter house installed lock boxes bolted to the floor of each closet. The members are encouraged to buy a padlock and keep their valuables in it: cash, credit cards, check books, jewelry, even certain prescription medications in today's day and age. Neither the Chapter nor the House Corp is responsible for lost or stolen property.

Remember there are cleaning staffs, maintenance workers, etc. who have access to rooms. Some Chapters allow guests in rooms too (even though they are supposed to be supervised at all times, it doesn't always happen). While I hate to say this, we once had a member who had "sticky fingers".

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I think you all saved quite a few of us from being "that girl."
:)