Crime & Safety

Police Arrest Suspect in Peninsula Burglaries, Pursuit

Melvin Bellard, 20, was arrested at noon on Monday.

A man wanted in multiple San Mateo County cities for allegedly burglarizing homes and leading authorities on a pursuit has been arrested, San Mateo police said late Tuesday afternoon.

Melvin Bellard, 20, surrendered to San Mateo detectives in San Francisco at noon Monday and has been booked into San Mateo County Jail, San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

For two months following the initial case, San Mateo, Belmont, and Hillsborough police worked together in an intensive investigation, and made significant efforts to identify and locate Bellard.

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On June 20, San Mateo, Belmont, and Hillsborough jointly sent information to the media and community asking for assistance locating Bellard.

San Mateo police received information leading to Bellard’s arrest throughout the weekend.

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On April 5,  San Mateo officers responded to a report of an interrupted residential burglary in the 600 block of Edgewood Road.

The suspect fled from Hillsborough police shortly thereafter, and it was ultimately discovered that the suspect, Bellard, had been involved in residential burglary activity in Belmont and Hillsborough in addition to San Mateo. The involved burglaries match the now commonly seen door-knock method of operation by the suspect.

Safety Tips from the San Mateo Police Department

Suspects who are using the door-knock method may pose as solicitors, neighbors, or say they are “looking for friends.” They are actually looking for unoccupied residences. These bandits then look for unsecured doors and windows, or access to areas of property not visible to the street to force entry.

  • If a stranger knocks on your door – LET THEM KNOW IF YOU ARE HOME – you may speak loudly through the closed door and let them know you are not interested, and ask them to go away. If you are suspicious of their activity at all, call the police via 911.
  • Make sure you secure ALL your doors and windows if you are not home, even if it is only for a short period of time.


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