Hi, travelling solo to Spain. Will use train to travel from Malaga to Seville, onto Cordoba, ending in Madrid.
As Spain seems to have a reputation for pickpockets, muggings, theft ... more so than most other destinations, was wondering about luggage security. Are bags left at the end of cars, or kept by the seat? A mid-sized bag that won't go overhead, I think.
Leaving on Monday, Apr29!

Either overhead or at the end of the car. I don't see how anyone could open a suitcase on a train without your realizing it..

Pick pockets tend to work metros, buses and crowds.. few buy tickets on trains.. especially high speed ones.

I'd keep my computer/camera bag with me at all times, no matter where/what.

It's not someone opening it you need to worry about, it's someone getting off the train with it. In general I don't worry about it, but if you do you could use a cable lock. Definitely keep the good stuff with you.

I would keep your valuable items with your person but I've left my luggage at the end of Spanish trains and never had a problem.

I would never leave anything valuable in the luggage, area, either, I take my purse and day pack with me to my seat (like on a plane). Ideally, you can try to get a seat near the luggage area so you can keep an eye out.

I don't think the pickpocket issue translate to theft on trains because someone stealing your luggage would usually have to travel quite a ways before the doors would open, another town, and that wouldn't be very convenient for them. And of course, it is expensive to get on a train, they wouldn't want to buy the tickets. I know, someone they could try to hide from the conductor or only do this in some short stops before the conductor checked, I guess, but it's not a big worry.

Not to say it has never happened, I have heard of people stealing luggage on trains, but not in Spain, actually. And I've heard about it more on overnight trains. Here's one article I found about it on Swiss trains, maybe some tips. I think it says the issue does arise when you are in areas where there are some stops very close together (such as in the city center), which is what I'd expect. I wouldn't expect it on a long-distance train that wasn't going to stop for hours or many miles after you got on.

oh sorry http://www.thelocal.ch/page/view/tou...s#.UXxMBDeXtNQ

The thief would take the bag as s/he got off. But it is probably true that it is more likely when there is a short distance between stops.

You are right. I failed to add that even though my bag usually weighs so much I doubt anyone could "run off" with it quickly, I do get up and oversee when we make a stop, but I assume everyone does that to an extent.

Thanks a lot!!
Since I'm not carrying any valuables that won't be in the purse, no need to sweat it! Should the bag go walking, it'll a good reason for 'retail therapy'!!