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Hemet Police Recover $10,000 in Stolen LEGO and Hot Wheels, Arrest Alleged Reseller

The bust followed a search warrant by the city’s retail theft team with SWAT support.

Overview

  • Detectives opened the case after local stores reported large losses of high‑value toys.
  • Investigators say Hugo Omar Sanchez-Sanchez bought stolen goods from multiple people and resold them at swap meets.
  • The Organized Retail Theft Team, backed by Southwest Cities SWAT, served a search warrant at a home on the 300 block of South Gilbert Street and recovered about $10,000 in merchandise.
  • Officers arrested the 37-year-old and booked him on felony counts of possession of stolen property and organized retail theft.
  • Police released photos of boxed LEGO sets, Hot Wheels, and other items and said the goods were returned to the stores, noting that small retailers are hit hard because such collectibles are easy to steal and resell.