A 37-year-old Hemet man was arrested after authorities recovered approximately $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
On March 25, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team, in collaboration with the Southwest Cities SWAT, served a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of South Gilbert Street in the City of Hemet and recovered approximately $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
This investigation was initiated through a partnership between the Hemet Police Department and local retail businesses. During the course of the investigation, detectives developed information indicating that large quantities of expensive LEGO sets and other merchandise were being stolen from local retailers.
Detectives identified a suspect who was selling the stolen merchandise at a local swap meet. Further investigation revealed the activity was consistent with an organized retail theft operation. Investigators ultimately confirmed that the suspect was actively purchasing stolen goods from multiple individuals and reselling them for profit.
Suspect Hugo Omar Sanchez, 37, was arrested on felony charges of possession of stolen property and organized retail theft.
“This operation sends a clear message that organized retail theft will not be tolerated in the City of Hemet,” Chief Michael Arellano said. “By recovering this stolen merchandise and returning it to our local businesses, we are not only holding offenders accountable but also helping to reduce the financial impact these crimes have on our business partners.”
Anyone with information regarding organized retail theft is asked to contact the Hemet Police Department at 951-765-2400.. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the department’s smartphone application.
