Over a one week period, Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT) made several arrests and recovered stolen property, following police investigation.

On Aug. 25, 2022, Red Deer RCMP CRT doing patrols when a stolen vehicle was located. A 34 year-old male, a resident of Red Deer, was found driving the vehicle. The investigation led to police seizing a shotgun, which had been altered, as well as methamphetamine, both of which were located inside the vehicle. Charges are pending against the male, including the following:

  • Possession of stolen property
  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

On Aug. 30, 2022, Red Deer RCMP CRT identified a vehicle with a stolen licence plate attached. RCMP launched an investigation and obtained a search warrant in relation to a residence. Police arrested a male (37-years-old), a resident of Red Deer, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Police Dog Service (PDS). This male was held in custody pending the results of a Judicial Interim Release Hearing (JIR), as he has previously been arrested and charged for similar offences in Dec. 2021 and Jan. 2022. Charges are pending, including three counts of Possession of stolen property of licence plates.

On Aug. 31, 2022, members of Red Deer RCMP CRT were again conducting pro-active patrols when they identified a stolen licence plate on a vehicle. Investigation determined the truck was also reported stolen. Two females were located in the vehicle, and the female driver attempted to flee on foot. With the assistance of Red Deer RCMP PDS, CRT arrested both females. Charges are pending against the 21-year-old driver, a resident of Sylvan Lake who was further arrested on outstanding warrants. Following a JIR hearing, she was released to appear in court at a later date. On Sept. 1, 2022, less then an hour after being released from custody, this same female was again located driving a stolen vehicle. She was arrested and is currently in custody awaiting a JIR hearing with new charges. 

These arrests are part of the RCMP’s ongoing efforts to reduce crime in Red Deer, and are the result of intelligence led policing initiatives.

 “Red Deer RCMP seeks to identify repeat offenders and conduct targeted enforcement initiatives, in an effort to reduce crime within our community,” said Sgt. Kay, who leads the Community Response Detail in Red Deer. “Many offenders use stolen vehicles to commit other property crimes, such as shoplifting and breaking and entering. By conducting pro-active investigations and patrols, we aim to reduce the offences being committed in Red Deer. ”

In addition, the Red Deer RCMP would like to remind the public that most vehicle thefts are preventable.

“Never leave your vehicle running with the keys in the ignition and always remember to lock your doors after exiting your vehicle. Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a garage or in a well-lit area and never leave personal belongings in plain sight,” says Sgt. Kay. 

Motorists are also encouraged to attend this year’s AMA’s Fall Care Event, where Red Deer RCMP have partnered to hand out anti-theft screws designed to prevent theft of licence plates from vehicles. This event will take place on Saturday, September 17, at the Westerner Grounds parking lot, and there is no cost to the public.