Operation Holiday Cheer
Over 40 Law Enforcement Agencies Launch “Operation Holiday Cheer” to Celebrate Healthcare First Responders Across Southern California
Holiday Cheer
STATEWIDE BLITZ
During the final shopping days leading up to Christmas, multiple California law enforcement agencies, including the Hemet Police Department, participated in a coordinated enforcement operation aimed at combating organized retail theft and promoting a safe shopping environment throughout the state.
The collaborative statewide retail theft blitz occurred on Friday, December 19, 2025, and resulted in 66 arrests for organized retail theft and related offenses. Law enforcement agencies also recovered more than 552 stolen items, with an estimated value of $14,050.86.
The statewide blitz was coordinated by the California Highway Patrol, in collaboration with the Hemet Police Department, Santa Monica Police Department, Santa Ana Police Department, Chino Police Department, San Diego Police Department, and the Orange County and Riverside County District Attorney’s Offices.
OPERATION HOLIDAY CHEER
This week, on December 17th and 18th, law enforcement agencies from across Riverside County will take part in the annual “Operation Holiday Cheer” – a festive event honoring the hard work and sacrifice of healthcare professionals during the holiday season. Now in its fifth year, the all-day trek has grown significantly to include nearly 60 law enforcement agencies from seven counties across the state – as well as Santa Claus and other holiday guests – who will visit over 40 hospitals and cover an area of more than 28,000 miles. Participating agencies from Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties will gather outside local hospitals, filling parking lots with lights, sirens, and holiday cheer to show appreciation to their fellow first responders and bring smiles to patients needing a little extra holiday spirit.