Organized Retail Theft Is Not a Victimless Crime
Stealing from local businesses is stealing from Hemet — it not only impacts our community’s sense of safety and security, but also has far-reaching negative consequences that affect everyone, from shoppers and retailers to the thieves themselves.
Organized retail theft damages our local economy and affects our city government’s ability to provide essential services to residents. It can hurt businesses large and small and may cause retailers to close or leave Hemet, contributing to unemployment and a lack of access to goods and services in our neighborhoods. It can also change the lives of offenders, who will receive no free passes when caught for their crimes. They will be brought to justice, held accountable for their actions and face jail time.
Shoppers
Pay higher prices, lose access to goods and jobs
Retailers
Lose money, may be forced to close
Community
Loses revenue to pay for essential government services
Thieves
Will be arrested and face jail time
Stopping Organized Retail Theft Is Everyone’s Business
Together, we can stop organized retail theft and keep Hemet economically strong. The Hemet P.D. is working with local government, other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and businesses to take a zero-tolerance approach to these crimes and bring offenders to justice. All community members play a vital role in supporting our efforts.
Learn the truth about organized retail theft: It’s a serious crime that causes ripple effects throughout our city, and those who commit it will be caught, be arrested and face jail time. Then help us spread the word and be on the lookout! The costs of organized retail theft can add up for shoppers, retailers, offenders and our entire community, but our combined awareness, enforcement and prevention efforts also add up. This problem harms us all, and we can all be part of the solution.