News release

Wood Buffalo RCMP focus on shoplifting prevention with retail crime blitz

March 25, 2026 - Fort McMurray, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Fort McMurray, Alta. - Between Mar. 17 to 20, 2026, the Wood Buffalo RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) participated in a Province-wide retail crime blitz, in partnership with local businesses and community partners within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. This most recent operation resulted in the arrest of seven people, five repeat offenders and the execution of three outstanding warrants. Some highlights of the operation include:

• On Mar. 18, a 42-year-old was arrested after RCMP received a compliant of shoplifting at the Liquor Depot in Thickwood , Alta., after leaving with a case of vodka without paying. They were charged for theft under $5,000 and two counts of fail to comply with probation order. As a result of their arrest, Police were able to link the individual to three other recent thefts where they were charged with an addition three counts of theft under $5,000 and six counts of fail to comply with probation order. A total value of lost merchandise was over $1,800. They were brought before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody for court on Mar. 30, 2026.
• On Mar. 18, a 35-year-old was arrested after RCMP received a compliant of shoplifting from Ace Liquor after leaving with a bottle of vodka without paying and a duffle bag full of stolen items from the Sport Chek in downtown Fort McMurray. A total value of lost merchandise of $430. The individual was charged with obstruct a peace officer and two counts of theft under $5,000. They were brought before a Justice of the Peace and was released on conditions for court on May 20, 2026.
• On Mar. 19, a 43-year-old was arrested after RCMP received a compliant of shoplifting at The Real Canadian Superstore downtown after they departed with a bag full of steaks without paying. They were charged for theft under $5,000 and fail to comply with release order condition. The total value of lost merchandise was over $600. The individual was brought before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody for court on Apr. 1, 2026.

“These operations are a continued demonstration of the Wood Buffalo RCMP ‘s commitment to crime prevention and community safety. This is just one of the many ways we are working with our community partners to disrupt the cycle of crime across the RMWB ” says Inspector Troy Switzer, Acting Officer in Charge of Wood Buffalo.  

Anyone with information regarding crime in their community are asked to contact the Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788‐4000 or 310-RCMP (7267). If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. If you see a crime in progress, dial 9-1-1.

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