Student has ‘whole life’ stolen within minutes of arriving at university after suitcases snatched in broad daylight

An international student had her “whole life” stolen on her first day at university after her luggage was snatched within minutes of picking up the keys to her accommodation.

Heather Williams, 20, said she lost all her belongings and £4,500 in cash after her three large suitcases were lifted from outside a letting agent on October 9 – the day she arrived in the UK to start a foundation year in computer science engineering at Leeds University.

Heather, originally from the Bahamas, who spent years saving to pay for the £23,500 course which she described as her “big break”, was left with around £400 and the clothes on her back.

Fearing she could not afford food, Heather has been unable to replace the stolen items, including her glasses and contact lenses, and has resorted to wearing the same pair for the past six weeks.

After realising what had happened, Heather said her letting agent commented “Welcome to Leeds” before calling the police and driving her to the accommodation.

The theft, which took place around 3pm, is believed to have been carried out by two middle-age white males according to West Yorkshire Police.

Heather’s family in the Bahamas have sent what little funds they can spare and the university student has now launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help cover her losses.

“I had three full suitcases, it was my whole life,” Heather told PA Real Life.

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

“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.

“I just felt so alone.”

Heather said she worked “every job under the sun” to pay for the one-year foundation course in computer science engineering at Leeds University.

“I’ve been working hard all my life… and this was my big break when I finally got to go to university,” she said.

She flew from her hometown of Nassau, Bahamas, to London on October 9, 2024, with three large suitcases and a purple duffel bag containing her “whole life”.

Arriving at Leeds Railway Station in the early afternoon, Heather got an Uber to the YPP office on Blenheim Terrace to collect the keys for her student accommodation.

The company, which lets student and professional apartments, has front steps and Heather, who had been travelling for 17 hours was unable to carry her heavy bags up them.

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

“So I asked the lady how long it was going to take… and she said this is only going to take five minutes.”

Heather could see her luggage through the window while speaking to the lettings agent but when she looked back a moment later, it was gone.

“When the lady brought my keys, I looked back and I’m like what the heck, all my bags are gone, how did they move so fast?” said Heather.

“I started running up and down the street and everyone in the building was looking confused.

“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.

“These weren’t even kids, they were like 40-year-old men,” she said.

Fortunately, Heather had kept her duffel bag, which contained her passport and computer, and so was able to complete the paperwork for her accommodation.

But she lost the vast majority of her belongings, including £4,500 in cash, which she said was supposed to be her spending money for the next few months.

“I was left with nothing,” she said.

“I had a bunch of money in the bag that I had changed at the airport, a lot of clothes and appliances, like hair dryers and stuff like that – I even had an air fryer in one of them.

“I was obviously planning on getting a job but that money I brought was to survive for this semester.”

She also has just one pair of shoes – white Crocs – and was forced to cook on an open hob as she could not afford pots and pans.

“I still only have Crocs,” she said.

“I feel awkward because someone the other day asked my why do you always wear those and I was like oh I just think they’re comfy because I didn’t want to say everything I own was stolen.”

Also in the suitcase was Heather’s glasses and daily contact lenses, as well as sentimental items including Formula 1 Mercedes merchandise.

“They stole all my contacts and glasses, and those were so expensive,” she said.

“I’ve been wearing the same pair of contact lenses in my eyes literally since I arrived on October 9.

“I get so scared when I’m putting them in or taking them out because I’m like, please Jesus don’t let these break.”

Right after the incident Heather’s family in the Bahamas sent what little money they can spare, but she said even though “they tried their best” it was not much.

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

The incident has also taken a psychological toll on Heather who said she is now afraid of going out at night and rarely leaves her room.

“I was so scared of everything… because I was like, if I walk outside these people are going to come for me,” she said.

Out of options, Heather launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help get back on her feet, which has so far received just over £1,000.

She has also been looking for a part-time job to earn back the money that was stolen from her.

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

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Police received a report of theft of suitcases from near the entrance of premises on Blenheim Terrace, Leeds. The report was received on 3.11pm on Wednesday, October 9.

“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 spokesperson for YPP Lettings said: “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 team remained vigilant when in the area, and the following day a YPP staff member came across a number of belongings thrown in the street, collected them together and informed the tenant that we may have found some of the belongings.

“We feel we went above and beyond for Ms Williams in, what must have been, a very upsetting and high stress incident.”

To support Heather, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-an-international-student-in-need