RCMP in central Alberta arrest 38 suspects for shoplifting

RCMP in central Alberta arrest 38 suspects for shoplifting

Published 9:21 am Wednesday, September 23, 2026

RCMP in Red Deer and Blackfalds arrested 38 people, laid 52 charges and recovered $7,563 worth of property during three-day shoplifting prevention blitz from Sept. 9 to 11.

During the retail crime operation, RCMP arrested some individuals who allegedly stole hundreds of dollars worth of items. Arrests included:

• On Sept. 9, 2026, RCMP received a shoplifting complaint at Home Depot in Red Deer. Police patrolled the area and located a 55-year-old male suspect riding on a bicycle who was placed under arrest and was allegedly found to be in possession of stolen items from Home Depot valued at $507. The suspect was charged with theft under $5,000 and was remanded into custody for court.

• On Sept. 9, 2026, RCMP responded to a shoplifting report at the Winners in Parkland Mall. A female had allegedly filled a hamper with merchandise and left the store without paying. RCMP arrived on scene and arrested a 42-year-old woman outside the store with items totalling $409.41. The suspect was charged with theft under $5,000 and was remanded into custody.

• On Sept. 9, 2026, a 46-year-old man was arrested by RCMP theft for under $5,000 after he was allegedly found to be in possession of stolen property from Walmart in south Red Deer. The suspect was taken into custody and was confirmed to have seven outstanding warrants from multiple RCMP jurisdictions. He was remanded into custody.

• On Sept. 10, 2026, Red Deer RCMP were at Walmart in north Red Deer when they recognized a 32-year-old man wanted on charges for theft under $5,000. Police arrested the suspect without incident, who was also charged with possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was released after a Judicial Interim Release (JIR) hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 25.

• On Sept. 10, 2026, Red Deer RCMP received a complaint from Superstore loss prevention officers that a male had allegedly concealed items worth $178.24 and left the store without paying. RCMP arrived and located a 52-year-old man leaving the store on a bicycle. He was arrested for theft under $5,000, and also arrested for a robbery that occurred in September 2025 in Red Deer. The suspect was released after a JIR hearing on both charges and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 25.

• On Sept. 11, 2026, RCMP responded to a complaint from Home Depot loss prevention officers that a male had entered the business, allegedly taken tools from the shelf, and left the store without paying. Police located a 34-year-old man who attempted to flee from police while in possession of $467.00 worth of items. The suspect was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000 and obstructing a peace officer. He was remanded into custody.

• On Sept. 11, 2026, a 27-year-old man was arrested and charged outside Superstore for theft under $5,000 and breach of probation for allegedly concealing merchandise and exiting the store without paying. Police were alerted to the incident by loss prevention officers who reported about $558 worth of product had been stolen. The suspect was remanded into custody.

Red Deer RCMP said they continues to work closely with retailers and community partners to prevent theft, identify offenders, and hold those responsible accountable.

“Retail theft affects more than store shelves. It impacts local businesses, employees, and the broader community,” said RCMP, in a statement.

“We encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour, as preventing retail theft is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can help protect local businesses, reduce crime, and strengthen our community.”