HEMET – During the final shopping days before Christmas, several California law enforcement agencies, including the Hemet Police Department, coordinated a successful enforcement operation targeting organized retail crime and promoting a safe shopping environment for communities throughout California.
The collaborative statewide retail theft crackdown on Friday, December 20, 2024 resulted in 117 arrests, the recovery of over $38,000 in stolen merchandise, the seizure of two illegal firearms, and the recovery of three stolen vehicles. The charges range from petty theft, grand theft, organized retail theft, felon in possession of a firearm and auto theft.
“Through proactive enforcement efforts and collaboration with retailers and additional law enforcement agencies, the men and women of the Hemet Police Department played a crucial role in protecting Hemet’s businesses and shoppers during a particularly busy time of the year,” stated Police Chief Michael Arellano. “Initiatives like these events clearly communicate that retail theft is unacceptable in our city. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities, especially during peak shopping periods.”
Operation Holiday Watch, was coordinated by the California Highway Patrol in collaboration with the Hemet Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Bakersfield Police Department, Woodland Police Department, Walnut Creek Police Department, Livermore Police Department and San Ramon Police Department.
The success of this statewide operation is greatly attributed to the strong partnership and collaboration among Hemet PD, CHP, allied agencies, and retailers.
Key Results of the Operation:
• 117 arrests made for organized retail theft and related offenses.
• Recovery of 767 stolen items, valued at $38,290.70, including clothing, shoes, and fragrances.
• Enhanced collaboration among 10 California law enforcement agencies and 56 different retail partners to improve in-store security and reporting.
• Increased law enforcement visibility in high-traffic shopping areas, deterring additional crimes.
Organized retail theft incidents may be reported to the Hemet Police Department at (951)765-2400 or you can provide anonymous information through the Hemet Police Department’s smartphone app, available for free Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android users.