The revelation South American gangs attracted by rich pickings along the A3 corridor had fuelled a 30 per cent increase in burglaries across Kingston was exposed before Christmas.

The conviction of the burglars in Tolworth follows the arrest of two other gangs earlier this year.

The Wickings’ family home was trashed when burglars ransacked their house and stole treasured jewellery.

Father-of-four Luke Wickings said one of his children made the discovery and called him and his wife Sarah Watson, 49.

The 52-year-old religious studies teacher said his children had been traumatised by the invasion.

He said: "Our kids have been disturbed by it and for a while felt scared in the house. It does affect people.

“We have been lucky, but there’s still the emotional upset. We are certainly very glad they have been caught.”

The family were also shocked to discover their Tolworth Rise North home had been targeted by thieves from more than 5,000 miles across the globe.

Mr Wickings said: “I would have never considered it was anything like that.”

The judge in the case gave particular attention to the fact the burglars had stolen items which had no value other than sentimental.

Mr Wickings wife’s rings and jewellery have never been returned, although the rest of the stolen items were given straight back.

Speaking after the court case, Detective Sergeant Tony Skinner said he believed, despite their protestations in court, they may have been responsible for more burglaries.

He said: “I would describe these people as parasitic criminals. Officers on burglary and robbery showed great tenacity and commitment in bringing these people to justice.

“If it was my mother or father they would want the police to be doing something about it.

*Laura Proto spoke to residents about whether they were aware their area was a target.

Retired Twickenham firefighter John Miller, 50, from Elgar Avenue, said the area was affluent but the problem would be more worrying for the older generation.

Jackie Wheater, 45, from Highfield Road, said he had heard about burglaries in the area, but not about a Latin American gang.

Julie Wood, 42, a full-time mum from Greenfield Avenue, said: “I didn’t know anything about it, which is scary considering it is so close to here. It’s good that they have been convicted and I hope their sentences don’t get shortened.”

Elsie Whittaker, a housewife from Norton Avenue, said the issue was worrying, but that it could happen to anyone and that people had to be vigilant.

However, Ray Thorn, 68, a retired office cleaner from Beresford Road, questioned the tactics of the gangs.

He said: “If they were professionals they wouldn’t be here. Why this area?

“If I was a criminal I wouldn’t target this area.”