EXCLUSIVE: “They have invaded my privacy” – student reveals shock of being burgled

A BUzz investigation has revealed there were a total of 77 burglaries in the Winton area – where many students live.

The highest rates of burglaries occurred in October, with a total of 15 houses being affected.

All of these burglaries occurred within the same one mile radius.

Third year Bournemouth University student Amelie Margout was just one of many victims within this area who have been burgled.

The incident took place in October 2019, during a night out with her housemates.

She had her Macbook, iPad, wallet, headphones and her iPhone charger stolen.

The burglars also stole her housemate’s speaker, worth around £300.

It was only the next morning when Amelie realised that her wallet was missing from her desk, and her laptop was not on her bed where she had left it.

Speaking on how the burglary affected her, Amelie said: “Now I am anxious every time I leave my house.

“It’s just kind of an unsettling feeling, like someone I don’t know has been in my room and disturbed my privacy.

“It’s not just that they took my valuables, it’s that they have invaded my privacy.

“I have thought sometimes what if I had been there? What if I hadn’t gone out that night?”

Amelie and her housemates called the police the following morning of the incident.

Amelie added: “I don’t think it’s the police that’s unhelpful, it’s just that they have so much legal stuff to worry about.

“Its just a bit annoying, you just want them to go there and get your stuff back but they can’t.

“I think they try to do everything they can.”

This is a reality that many University students have to deal with.

Amelie shared her advice in hopes that this problem doesn’t keep happening to others: “Always lock your doors even if someone’s in your house, always lock the doors.

“What I do now is I hide my valuables before I go out, even if I make sure the doors are locked.”

Bournemouth’s Neighbourhood Policing Team shared some advice on how to keep your belonging safe.

PC Kevin Miller said: “Simple things can be done even when at home.

“Leave valuables out of sight and make sure everything is locked up.

“If you see anyone suspicious notify the police, your landlord and just communicate within your house mates.”