Burglars jailed after family forced to move home in fear

Colombian nationals Sanchez Gustavo, Christian Fetiva Gamez and Rodrigo Albarracin targeted properties in Llandough and Cowbridge over two days in July 2025, making off with designer jewellery, bags, watches and other valuables.

The first break-in happened on July 2 at a property in Cannon Walk, Llandough. The married couple living there came home to find rooms ransacked, cupboards flung open and their suitcase emptied across the bedroom floor. Thieves had even lifted their bed to search the storage space underneath. Designer jewellery including bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings were stolen, though an iPad and alcohol were left behind.

The following day, the trio struck again at a family home in Badgers Brook Close, Cowbridge. A woman returned after three hours out to discover drawers and cupboards open throughout the house, with patio doors left half open. Upstairs, boxes of bags, shoes and belts had been emptied in an untidy search. The total value of items taken reached £14,545, though police later recovered some of the haul.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how the impact on the Cowbridge family was devastating. Prosecutor Anisha Rai read a victim impact statement explaining: “While she would normally tell her daughter she could wait at home after school she is now making sure she never leaves her alone out of fear she could be followed into the house or walk into the mess that she saw when the burglary took place.”

The fear became so overwhelming that the family felt forced to move house entirely. Ms Rai told the court: “She wants her daughter to feel she is safe in her own home. She wants to feel reassured that these people don’t know where they live and it was decided that could only happen if they move home.”

The family spent around £1,000 installing CCTV cameras covering their entire property and sold their car, saying “they need a more generic looking car” to avoid being recognised.

The three men were arrested on July 3 in Wokingham when Thames Valley Police stopped their BMW, which had been spotted near both burgled properties in the days before. Officers found stolen items stashed in the boot. Despite initial denials, all three later pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary.

Defence lawyers told the court that Albarracin, 47, of Commercial Street, New Tredegar, had shown genuine remorse and the behaviour was “out of character”. Gamez Fetiva, 38, of no fixed abode, was said to be remorseful and understood his actions had put his family at risk. Gustavo, 76, also of no fixed abode, was described as vulnerable with poor mental and physical health.

Sentencing them, Judge Shomon Khan said: “It’s not just about value, these are people’s homes: where children live, where families should feel safe.” ⚖️

Each defendant received two years and nine months in prison. They are liable to automatic departure from the UK, which is a matter for the Home Office.