Leeds fresher has ‘whole life’ stolen on first day of university

International student Heather Williams had her “whole life” stolen on her first day at university, just minutes after she collected the keys to her new accommodation.

Heather, a 20-year-old student from the Bahamas, had three large suitcases and £4,500 in cash stolen from her on 9^th October 2024, outside a YPP Lettings office.

Her belongings were lifted from outside the letting agency’s office the day she arrived in the UK to start a foundation year in computer science engineering at the University of Leeds, which was supposed to be her “big break”, Leeds Live reports.

Heather was left with just £400 and the clothes she was wearing, after saving money for years to pay for the £23,500 course.

“I had three full suitcases,” she said. “It was my whole life.”

When Heather realised what happened and informed staff, she said one of the letting agents told her: “Welcome to Leeds”, before calling the police and driving her to her accommodation.

According to West Yorkshire Police, the theft, which took place at around 3pm, is believed to have been carried out by two middle-aged white men.

Heather’s family in the Bahamas have sent what little money they can afford, but this hasn’t been sufficient to cover the cost of the stolen items.

“I didn’t grow up with a bunch of money and I think there is a misconception about international students that they are so rich because they can pay these prices,” she said.

Heather has now launched a GoFundMe page to help cover her losses.

She said: “Every time I think about it I just want to cry, but I can’t keep crying because I have school work to do.

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“They didn’t even leave me with underwear and when I went to the store later that night, I was just breaking down trying to buy stuff.”

Heather added: “I just felt so alone.”

Explaining why she decided to leave her luggage outside the office when she collected the keys, Heather said she couldn’t lug the heavy bags up the front steps and was exhausted after a 17-hour journey.

She said: “They were really heavy, they weighed 70 pounds each (around 30 kilos) because I brought my whole life.”

Curious about how long it would take to process picking up the keys, Heather asked a staff member at YPP Lettings, but was reassured it would take five minutes.

However, after just a few moments chatting to a member of staff, Heather looked back outside after collecting the keys and saw her bags were gone.

Heather said: “People steal things all over the world, but who steals a suitcase? I’ve never heard of this happening in my entire life.

“The first thing the lady said to me was ‘Welcome to Leeds’ and I was just like, I hate this place. A member of staff contacted the police and drove around the area to see if they could spot the culprits but there was no sign of them.”

Fortunately, Heather’s official documents and laptop were in the duffel bag she had brought inside YPP Lettings, so she could check into her accommodation.

Heather added: “This was not on my 2024 bingo card at all, but I’m trying to stay positive.”

A spokesperson from West Yorkshire Police said: “The theft is believed to have been carried out by two unidentified white males described as being aged in their 40s.

“One male is described as medium height, slim, wearing a grey beanie, black Puma hoodie, light-coloured bottoms and black trainers. The other male is described as taller than first, slim, with dark shaved hair, wearing a blue buttoned up coat with jeans.

“Anyone with information about the theft can contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or go online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat quoting reference 963 of 9/10.

“Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

A YPP Lettings spokesperson commented: “There was an unfortunate incident where a new tenant left their belongings at the end of our ‘drive’ and these were then taken by passers by, even after this tenant was advised on a few occasions that the belongings would not be safe if left there.

“Once YPP were alerted to the theft, the police were called by YPP staff and CCTV was checked.

“Additionally, when the police arrived, some of the team went to look for the belongings, either in the car or on foot in the immediate area, however we were not successful.

“The tenant was given a lift to her accommodation and YPP ensured she was supplied with a towel, snacks, deodorant, bottled water and toilet roll, with one colleague giving the tenant her own padded winter coat, so that she was warm and could go shopping for clothes and household items without discomfort.”

The link to Heather’s GoFundMe can be found here.

Featured image via GoFundMe