Full Notification

JOINT MESSAGE - MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT
CITY of BELMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT
TOWN of HILLSBOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

UPDATE – SMPD DETECTIVES ARREST WANTED SUSPECT MELVIN BELLARD IN SAN FRANCISCO
San Mateo Most Wanted Suspect Melvin Bellard surrendered to SMPD Detectives in San Francisco at noon yesterday and has been booked into San Mateo County Jail. 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. On June 20th, San Mateo, Belmont, and Hillsborough jointly sent information to the media and community asking for assistance locating Bellard. SMPD received information leading to Bellard’s arrest throughout the weekend.

San Mateo, Belmont, and Hillsborough Police believe that exposure within the media and community played a part in Bellard’s arrest, and thank both the media and the public for assisting us in getting Bellard into police custody and off the streets!

On Friday, April 5th, San Mateo Police 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 this suspect, Melvin 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.

SUSPECT: Melvin Bellard, 20 years old – Arrested in San Francisco by SMPD and booked into San Mateo County Jail

SAFETY TIPS
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.
For more safety tips on Door-Knock Burglaries, Click this link: http://sanmateopd.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/safety-tips-door-knock-burglaries/

Media Contact Information:
Sgt. Dave Norris – San Mateo Police Department – 650-522-7626
Capt. Pat Halleran – Belmont Police Department – 650-595-7430
Capt. Doug Davis - Hillsborough Police Department – 650-375-7470