Stopping Organized Retail Theft Is Everyone’s Business
Together, we can stop organized retail theft and keep Hemet economically strong. The Hemet Police Department is working with local government, other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and businesses to take a zero-tolerance, holistic approach to these crimes and bring offenders to justice. This is a problem that affects us all, so we all need to take responsibility for being part of the solution. Here’s how you can help.
Shoppers
- If you see something, say something. If you witness suspected retail theft, alert someone at the store, use the Hemet P.D. app or click here to make a confidential tip, or make an anonymous call to the Hemet non-emergency line at (951) 765-2400.
- Never buy stolen items. If someone offers you a deal that seems too good to be true, it likely is. Don’t become part of the problem by providing a market for stolen merchandise. You could ultimately pay a much higher price if your local stores have to charge more to make up for stolen property, or are forced to close and leave you with no nearby shopping options. Plus, you will have police knocking at your door!
Retailers
- Start with prevention. The Hemet P.D. offers training for retailers on the principles of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) to enhance the security of their establishments. Click here to learn more and schedule a free CPTED evaluation.
- Keep an eye out. Participate in the Hemet P.D.’s Community Camera Program, in which residents and businesses can easily and securely register their exterior security cameras to provide useful leads and evidence if a crime occurs in their area. Click here to learn more.
- Report organized retail theft promptly. Click here to file a report online.
- Build partnerships. Join the Hemet P.D.’s Anti-Organized Retail Theft Task Force to network with other retailers, exchange information on local thefts, and learn about new and existing programs to help stop theft. Advertise your partnership with the Hemet P.D. and host one of our monthly Anti-Organized Theft Education Events. Contact the Business Liaison Officer Dana Arrington at (951) 765-2400 for more information.
Community
- 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.
- Help us spread the word and be on the lookout! Talk with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers about how organized retail theft harms our whole community and how we can put a stop to it.
Thieves
- Understand the impact of your actions. Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime — the businesses you steal from are part of our community, and taking from them will ultimately rob you, your family and friends, and our city of resources, jobs, opportunities and prosperity.
- Know the consequences. If you think you won’t get caught or will only get away with a ticket, think again. Organized retail theft is a serious crime punishable by jail time. Hemet has a special task force dedicated to identifying, pursuing and arresting people who commit retail theft, so we will find you and you will be held accountable. There are no free passes, and the more you steal, the more the charges add up. You will be arrested and go to jail.
- Theft isn’t the answer. If you need assistance, there are resources available. The Hemet P.D. is a solutions-oriented department and can help you find alternatives to criminal activity. Anyone seeking help can contact the Community Services Sergeant at (951) 765-2400.
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. Reducing retail theft relieves financial burdens on retailers, bolsters our city budget and allows the police to better serve the entire community by reducing the amount of officers and resources dedicated to responding to and investigating these crimes. Let’s stand together and let everyone know that Hemet will not tolerate organized retail theft!