SFPD Make Arrest in Commercial Burglary Series 23-002

Beginning November 13, 2022, a series of commercial burglary incidents occurred at a number of different locations in the City of San Francisco.  The burglaries followed a similar modus operandi in which the suspect would force entry through the front of the commercial business, causing property damage.  The suspect would then steal large amounts of US Currency from the cash register, safe or ATM machine, and various items of property.  In many of the cases, the suspect was seen fleeing the scene in a black sedan.  The burglaries occurred at the following locations on the following dates: 

• November 13, 2022, on the 2200 block of Taraval Street 
• November 16, 2022, on the 800 block of Ulloa Street 
• November 16, 2022, on the 1800 block of Irving Street 
• November 16, 2022, on the 1800 block of Taraval Street 
• November 16, 2022, on the 2300 block of Irving Street 
• November 17, 2022, on the 500 block of Beach Street 
• November 20, 2022, on the 300 block of 11^th Street 
• December 2, 2022, on the 1000 block of Folsom Street 
• December 4, 2022, on the 1000 block of Folsom Street 
• December 18, 2022, on the 2500 block of Mission Street 

The investigation was led by members of the San Francisco Police Burglary Detail.  Investigators developed information that led to the identity of the unknown male suspect, 41-year-old Matt Lake.    

While on patrol, an SFPD Officer assigned to Southern Station recognized Lake and the black sedan, on the 200 block of Berry Street.  Lake was immediately taken into custody without further incident.  During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered items believed to be connected to the burglaries mentioned above as well as numerous burglary tools.   

Lake was later booked and transported to San Francisco County Jail #1 for the charges of nine counts of burglary in the second degree (459 PC 2^nd), arson of a structure (451(c) PC, arson of property (451(d) PC), possession of burglary tools (466 PC) and for receiving stolen property (496 PC).  

While an arrest has been made this remains an open investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.   

A photo of the seized burglary tools is attached.