News release

Red Deer RCMP focus on shoplifting prevention with retail crime blitz

December 19, 2025 - Red Deer, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

Content

Red Deer, Alta. – Red Deer RCMP recently completed a retail crime project that took place over several days early this month.

Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT) conducted a three-day shoplifting prevention blitz from Dec. 2 to 4, 2025. With the assistance of Red Deer RCMP General Duty, Downtown Patrol Unit (DPU), and Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), the operation resulted in the arrest of twenty-nine people and the execution of thirty-seven outstanding warrants. Some highlights of this operation include:

On Dec. 2, a 36-year-old and a 38-year-old were arrested at Home Depot after leaving the store with a cart of merchandise without paying. Upon their arrest, the 36-year-old was found to be wanted on outstanding warrants from Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, the Alberta Sheriffs, and other RCMP Detachments. Green was remanded in custody for court on Jan. 13, 2026. The 38-year-old was released after a Judicial Interim Release hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 13, 2026. During the investigation, police learned that additional property located in the vehicle had been stolen from Walmart in Wetaskiwin earlier in the day. Charges have been laid against both in that matter.

On Dec. 2, RCMP received a complaint of shoplifting at the Winners in the South Commons area of Red Deer. Upon arrival, police witnessed a 28-year-old assaulting the Loss Prevention Officer. They were arrested and charged for robbery and breaching a release order.  At the time of the offence, the individual had outstanding warrants for robbery and ten other charges by Edmonton Police Service and four additional charges from the Wood Buffalo RCMP. Their next court appearance is Jan. 07, 2026.

On Dec. 3, police received a call about a shoplifter at the Home Depot who fled on a bicycle. RCMP located a 46-year-old a short distance away and placed them under arrest. They are facing five new charges, including theft under $5000 and resisting arrest. At the time of his arrest, the individual was being sought by police for a shoplifting incident the day before. They were remanded into custody for court on Jan.15, 2026.

On Dec. 4, RCMP observed a known offender breaching the conditions of his house arrest. The offender fled to a residence and refused to comply with police until the Emergency Response Team attended. A 40-year-old is facing three new charges and has been remanded into custody until their next court date on Feb. 10, 2026.

On Dec. 4, RCMP were at Winners in North Red Deer when they recognized a 36-year-old who was wanted on outstanding warrants out of Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds, Okotoks, and Calgary. Police told the individual that they were under arrest, at which time they resisted and assaulted the arresting officer. The individual was taken into custody and has been remanded until their next court date on Dec. 23, 2025.  They are facing a total of four new charges as well as the outstanding warrants. 

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