Belmont Police Seek Leads in Hallmark Burglary

Belmont police are seeking the public's help in obtaining leads in a home burglary that occurred this week in the Hallmark neighborhood.

The home, located in the 2500 block of Somerset Drive, was burglarized sometime between 8 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, police said. The suspect(s) gained entry by forcing open a rear window.

Along with jewelry and electronics, the suspect(s) took firearms from the home. Police have not yet specified what type of firearms were taken.

The responding officers reported that the suspect(s) appear to have exited the house through the front door, and based on the items that were taken, they believe that a vehicle of some type was involved to carry the items.

Police are asking the public's help

Because the incident happened in broad daylight, police are asking anyone who saw anything or has information on the burglary to call the Belmont Police Department at 650-595-7400, or leave a message on the Crime Tip Line at 650-598-3000. 

Belmont Police Department spokesman Lt. Pat Halleran cautioned homeowners that, as in this case, residential burglaries typically happen during the day when people are away at work or school.  

Halleran said that last year there were 60 residential burglaries citywide, which averages to five burglaries per month. So far in 2012, there have been 11 residential burglaries citywide. 

He added that there has not been a pattern as far as location--the burglaries have occurred in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Prior to Tuesday's break-in, the most recent incidents occurred in January in the same Belmont Heights neighborhood.  One occurred in the 1000 block of Lassen Drive, the other in the 2600 block of Wakefield Drive.  

Throughout the county, Halleran said, jurisdictions have been experiencing residential burglaries at approximately the same rate as Belmont. 

Belmont police detectives are working with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and other police agencies on various leads in this case and in comparing similar cases, but do not yet have any information on the suspect(s). 

Keeping homes safe 

Halleran reminds residents that the best way to avoid a burglary is to be sure their house is locked up when they leave and consider an alarm system.  He also advises keeping records on valuables (e.g. serial numbers of electronics, photos of jewelry, etc.).  

"This is also good in the event of any other type of loss, fire, earthquake, etc.," Halleran said.  

"Any neighbors who are home during the day should report any suspicious activity to us when they see it. We have done an informational video explaining what 'suspicious activity' is, titled 'When and Why to Call the Police' and it's available on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-YD0_uowYE."

Halleran added that the Belmont Police Department is available to do crime prevention presentations to neighborhood groups upon request.