There are reports that burglars are targeting students in the Hyde Park and Burley Park areas of Leeds.
It’s claimed that the distraction break ins occur with a woman knocking at the door, while accomplices go round the back of the house and steal valuables.
“She said she’d been in a house fire, she’d just got out of St James’ hospital and she needed money for a coach to Manchester” Selina Paige Coleman, a victim of these burglaries.
“I came back into my room and my pillowcases were missing, my jewelry box had been thrown on the bed,”
“My PlayStation was gone, my boyfriends Xbox and all of my jewelry was gone.” Selina continued.
Selina and her housemates are some of the many students affected by this.
According to the latest figures by West Yorkshire police this is one of the worst areas for burglaries, due to its high student population
84 burglaries were reported in the Hyde Park and Woodhouse area between June 2022 and May 2023.
Student areas are often target by burglars because of a lack of security.
Many students leave doors unlocked and belongings on show, especially after a night on the town.
West Yorkshire Police are hoping to combat this with their new campaign.
The campaign, Easy Street aims to remind Leeds residents of protocols they can take to ensure their house is safe and secure.
“Easy Street is any street that criminals find inviting due to poor home security and maintenance.” West Yorkshire Police statement.
This can be things such as changing locks regularly and ensuring windows and doors are locked especially at night.
Watch the Easy Street campaign video below:
