A Residential Burglary on the Isle of Wight

Three offenders entered a residential property on the Isle of Wight on numerous occasions during the evening and early morning, searched rooms, and stole property.  The victim, who had been asleep, physically confronted the offenders who then left the property. The police were contacted, and the offenders were arrested soon after, and found in possession of property stolen in the burglary.

The offence had a significant impact on the victim, and he was concerned about what could have happened if his children had been present during the offence.  The victim also had a number of questions about the offence that he wanted to ask the offender. The offender stated that at the time of the offence he was on a crime spree to fund a drug habit, and was willing to answer any questions put to him.

The meeting was facilitated by two restorative justice practitioners.  The victim was able to tell the offender about the impact of the burglary on him and his family, and was able to obtain answers to all of his questions.  The victim received and accepted an apology from the offender.

The offender stated that he found the restorative meeting a positive experience, and appreciated the chance to see things from the victims’ perspective, give them some closure, and allow them to move on.  In addition, the offender wrote the following statement: “Going to prison affected my family so badly and it was a huge burden knowing I had caused pain and heartache. I hated myself. I’ve accepted my wrongs can’t be changed but can be used to improve myself.”

The offender had been a drug user and prolific offender.  Since taking part in the conference in June 2018, the offender has kept out of trouble and has not been arrested since.