Thursday 18 August 2011

The Privilege of A Theft Victim

Crime Scene: The burglar gained entry through my room's window

YES, YOU HEARD IT RIGHT THERE. A privilege of being a theft victim, even much a privilege in a foregin country.

Back last week, when I was enjoying my first night in London, a call from my flatmate came in. I was about to eat supper when I answered that phone call. A voice seemingly frantic and concerned appeared. Much of my confusion turned into shock when he said my room was broken into through the windows and my laptop went missing. Shattered glass sprawled all over my room, some on my bed as well.

I took me quite some time to come into realization that I am now a victim of theft, especially in a relatively safe city like Sheffield. It didn't take a while for my feelings of anger and fustration to build and tears would overflow, not in the pressence of my friends, when all were asleep that night,  that 1st night in London.

Since that incident, I've been literally spending nights with different friends up until recently. Without my laptop, I could no longer surf or social network as much as I did before. I would spend most times in my common room with 3 things - My mobile, my books and my coffee. People would see me and know me as the theft victim - which is cool, come to think of it. Through some "mirroring on myself", I figured it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I would immerse myself with books more often, walk myself around Sheffield to spend my idle time and mingle with strangers, who would eventually turn into friends.

My friends have played a tremendous role in supporting me all the way, some who have shown real, remarkable display of affection and friendship. Not to forget the effectiveness of the South Yorkshire Police and the Victim Support Group. With a call, you now have a police report with a crime reference number for insurance, in a matter of an hour. What else can you be proud of Sheffield for?