Police Charge Two Suspects in Walnut Creek Burglary
I want to be direct: this Walnut Creek home burglary wasn’t some vague report — police say a man and a woman were caught on camera inside a residence near Citrus Avenue and Perada Drive on Sept. 25, and both have now been identified and arrested. When I read the release from Walnut Creek PD and checked jail records, the facts lined up quickly: names, locations, and the surveillance description.
The suspects are listed as Rae Mones, 47, of Oakland, and Jeremy Arellano, 36, of Concord. Mones is being held at the West County Detention Facility on $51,500 bail; records for Arellano weren’t available at the time of the reports. The surveillance images show a bearded man with a shaved head in a black T-shirt and a woman with long dark hair in a hoodie — small details that helped tip the investigation.
I know your first questions are: what was taken, and how did the police catch them? Those specifics weren’t fully released, but the WCPD says the footage and community tips led to the arrests. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through what happened, why it matters for neighbors, and what you can do to protect your home.
The Burglary That Shook Citrus Avenue
When I first saw the surveillance images from Walnut Creek PD, I couldn’t help but pause. The footage shows a quiet neighborhood — Citrus Avenue near Perada Drive — the kind of area where people usually wave to each other on morning walks. But on Sept. 25, things turned unsettling.
According to a report from KTVU News, a man and a woman were caught on camera inside a home that didn’t belong to them. The footage shows a bearded man with a shaved head wearing a black T-shirt, and a woman with long dark hair in a hoodie. It’s the kind of clip that spreads fast in community circles — partly because it feels so close to home.
Police didn’t say what was taken, which is common early in investigations. But that single unanswered detail makes it hit harder — a reminder that sometimes it’s not just what’s stolen, but the feeling of safety that gets taken first.
How Police Identified and Arrested the Suspects
What impressed me most was how fast the case moved once the photos went public. The Walnut Creek Police Department posted those images on their official Facebook page, thanking residents to help identify the pair.
It’s easy to scroll past police posts, but this time, the community responded. Neighbors recognized faces, matched details, and gave the leads officers needed. Soon after, Rae Mones of Oakland and Jeremy Arellano of Concord were arrested and booked on suspicion of residential burglary.
Seeing that kind of collaboration between police and residents reminds you — cameras help, but people still make the difference.
False or exaggerated reports can also make headlines — like a New Jersey couple charged with faking a home invasion, a case that showed how quickly investigations can uncover the truth.
Who Are Rae Mones and Jeremy Arellano?
The names sound ordinary, but their arrests drew local attention quickly. Rae Mones, 47, is listed in custody at the West County Detention Facility, with bail set at $51,500, according to Contra Costa County jail records.
Jeremy Arellano, 36, of Concord was also booked, though his jail record wasn’t immediately available.
Police haven’t said much more about their backgrounds, and rightly so — once formal charges are filed, the courts decide what’s proven. Still, knowing who’s been accused gives the story a face, not just a case number.
The Charges and What Comes Next
Both suspects face residential burglary charges under California Penal Code 459 — a felony that carries serious prison time if convicted. In California, it doesn’t matter if a door was unlocked or if the theft was minor; just entering a home without consent with intent to steal can qualify.
For Mones and Arellano, the next steps will likely include an arraignment hearing where they’ll enter pleas. From there, prosecutors decide whether to push for trial or negotiate a plea deal.
I’m not a lawyer, but I’ve covered enough local cases to know: burglary charges can mean years behind bars, especially when video evidence exists.
Local readers have been sharing real-time safety updates and neighborhood alerts through Walnut Creek community channels on WhatsApp — a simple way to stay informed without constantly checking news feeds.
What This Case Says About Safety in Walnut Creek?
If you live anywhere near Citrus Avenue, this story probably hits close. Walnut Creek has always had a reputation for being peaceful, but incidents like this remind us that even calm neighborhoods aren’t off-limits.
Recent Walnut Creek Police data shows that property crimes — including burglary — tend to spike in early fall when more homes are empty during the day. Add to that the ease of sharing real-time footage, and you see how awareness is becoming its own form of protection.
For me, the real takeaway isn’t fear — it’s preparation. When communities stay alert, share information, and use security cameras wisely, stories like this one can end the way this one did: with arrests instead of open cases.
Similar cases across California, like an attempted home invasion robbery investigated by local police, remind us that alert neighbors often make all the difference.
5 Smart Steps Homeowners Can Take to Prevent Burglaries
Whenever I cover stories like this, I always think about the readers who quietly wonder, “Could this happen to me?” The truth is — no neighborhood is immune. But you can make your home a lot harder to target.
Here are five small things that make a big difference:
- Keep your home visibly secure. A camera by your front door or a motion sensor light tells anyone passing by, “Someone’s watching.” Burglars hate uncertainty.
- Don’t overshare online. I’ve seen countless cases start with a vacation photo on Instagram that basically says, “No one’s home.”
- Double down on doors and windows. Reinforce sliding doors, use deadbolts, and keep garage doors shut — even when you’re home.
- Join or start a neighborhood watch. Walnut Creek has several active groups that stay in touch via social media — it’s an easy way to stay informed.
- Register your cameras with WCPD’s voluntary program (if you have one). It helps police act faster when something happens nearby.
You don’t need a fortress; you just need friction. Most break-ins are about opportunity — not obsession. The harder you make it, the faster they move on.
In another state, a Florida man was sentenced to 10 years for his role in an armed home robbery, showing how seriously courts treat home intrusion crimes.
What Happens Next?
At the time of writing, both suspects have been formally charged, and prosecutors will determine how the case proceeds. The next step is a court appearance where evidence and statements start to come together.
Cases like these can take weeks or months before there’s a verdict. But if you live nearby, it’s worth keeping an eye on official police and city updates rather than relying on rumors. The Walnut Creek PD often posts developments directly to its Facebook page — it’s the most accurate source for follow-ups.
For me, this story isn’t just about two arrests; it’s about what happens when a city pays attention.
If you’re a homeowner or even a renter in Walnut Creek, I’m curious — has this case changed the way you think about home security? Drop your thoughts or your own prevention tips in the comments below. Your perspective might help someone else stay safe.
If stories like this make you think about improving your own security setup, check out more real-life burglary cases and prevention guides on our website Build Like New — it’s full of practical insights from across the country.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is based on official reports from the Walnut Creek Police Department and local reports available at the time of writing. Details may change as the investigation and court proceedings continue. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.
