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The Menlo Park Police Department announced in a news release on Jan. 22 that officers had arrested Brenden Orallo, 20, of San Jose in connection with at least three burglaries and bike thefts that took place in December 2024. During the course of the investigation, police also recovered one bike worth $8,000.
Menlo Park police say he broke into several homes “for the sole purpose of stealing bicycles.”
According to Menlo Park Police Detective Edward Mazon, police successfully identified Orallo by following up on bike sales posts that matched the description of the stolen bikes on websites such as Craigslist and OfferUp, and scheduling a meetup to purchase the bike. Mazon said that crimes such as bike theft are often difficult to solve when the owners cannot provide serial numbers for the stolen bikes.
“Menlo Park Police Department Detectives spoke with the suspect who admitted to burglarizing approximately three residences for the sole purpose of stealing bicycles,” the news release reads.
Mazon told this news organization that it’s important for people to record the serial numbers of items they don’t want to lose. The MPPD also recommends installing GPS trackers on bikes. According to Mazon, most of the property that was reported stolen had already been sold by the time that Orallo was arrested.
Mazon also emphasized that those who find their own stolen items on online sales websites should contact law enforcement.
“We do not recommend meeting with possible suspects to recover your property as it may be dangerous,” he said in an email.
Police are asking any residents who had bikes stolen in December 2024, who have not yet filed a report, to reach out to the Menlo Park Police Department at 650-330-6300, and provide detailed descriptions and serial numbers of the stolen items.
According to San Mateo County Super Court records, Orallo has been charged with two counts of first degree felony burglary with sentencing enhancements for crimes committed while out on bail and for prior serious felony convictions, and has entered not guilty pleas for both counts. Each count of first degree felony burglary can result in up to six years of prison time and a fine of up to $10,000 if Orallo is found guilty. The sentencing enhancements could result in additional prison time.
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