Up to $60,000 Hiring Bonus for Lateral

Lateral Police OfficerLateral Dispatcher

450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

Non-Emergency:  (951) 765-2400
Emergency – Dial 911

Organized Retail Theft

Retail theft Ring bust

Retail theft Ring bust

by | Jul 3, 2025 | ,

On Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team, in collaboration with the Hemet Police Special Operations Unit (SOU), served a search warrant at a residence in the 41800 block of Lomas Street, located in the unincorporated area of east Hemet.

This investigation began through the strong partnership between the Hemet Police Department and a local business loss prevention officer. The officer identified suspected stolen merchandise being sold on a social media sales platform. Detectives initiated an investigation, which quickly revealed the operation was consistent with an organized retail theft ring.

Retail theft Ring bust

It all add$ up

by | Apr 29, 2025 |

On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team conducted a targeted “Blitz” operation, focusing on Petco and Smart & Final stores within the city. This proactive initiative aimed to address and deter organized retail theft activities affecting local businesses.

Retail theft Ring bust

OPERATION HOLIDAY WATCH

by | Dec 31, 2024 |

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.

Retail theft Ring bust

Proposition 36 is in effect

by | Dec 20, 2024 |

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36, known as “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.” Proposition 36 took effect on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Proposition 36 modifies existing laws and adds substantive charges and enhancements to areas of the California Penal Code and Health and Safety Code regarding theft, property damage, and drug-related crimes.

OPERATION HOLIDAY CHEER

Dec 16, 2025

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.

Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

Dec 12, 2025

The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Hemet Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.