Red Deer, Alta. – Red Deer RCMP recently completed a retail crime project that took place over several days earlier this month.
The Red Deer and Blackfalds RCMP Detachments teamed up to conduct a three-day shoplifting prevention blitz from Sept. 9 to 11, 2026. Units involved with this project include the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team, General Duty, Downtown Patrol Unit (DPU), and Traffic Services, Blackfalds RCMP, and Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS). The operation resulted in the arrest of thirty-eight people, fifty-two charges, and a total of $7563.30 of property being recovered.
Some highlights of this operation include:
- On Sept. 9, 2026, RCMP received a complaint of shoplifting at the Home Depot in Red Deer. Police patrolled the area and located Shawn Sokolowski (55) riding on a bicycle. Sokolowski was placed under arrest and found to be in possession of stolen items from Home Depot valued at $507. Sokolowski is charged with theft under $5000 and was remanded in custody for court.
- On Sept. 9, 2026, RCMP responded to a report of shoplifting at the Winners in Parkland Mall in Red Deer. A female had filled a hamper with merchandise and left the store without paying. RCMP arrived on scene and arrested 42-year-old Christina Bennett outside of the store with items totaling $409.41. Bennett is charged with theft under $5000 and was remanded in custody.
- On Sept. 9, 2026, Bobby Clarke (46) was arrested by RCMP theft for under $5000 when he was found to be in possession of stolen property from Walmart in south Red Deer. Clarke was taken into custody and was confirmed to have seven outstanding warrants from multiple RCMP jurisdictions. He was remanded in custody.
- On Sept. 10, 2026, Red Deer RCMP were at Walmart in north Red Deer when they recognized Anthony Deck (32) who was wanted on charges for theft under $5000. Police arrested Deck without incident. Deck is also charged with possession of a controlled substance. He was released after a Judicial Interim Release (JIR) hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 25, 2026.
- On Sept. 10, 2026, Red Deer RCMP received a complaint from Superstore Loss Prevention Officers that a male had concealed items worth $178.24 and left the store without paying. Members arrived and located Jason Pelletier (52), leaving the store on a bicycle. Pelletier was arrested for theft under $5000. Pelletier was also arrested for a robbery which occurred in Sept. 2025, in Red Deer. He was released after a JIR hearing on both charges and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 25, 2026.
- On Sept. 11, 2026, RCMP responded to a complaint from Home Depot Loss Prevention Officers that a male had entered the business, taken tools from the shelf, and departed the business without paying. Police located Tyler Dejong (34) who attempted to flee from police in possession of $467.00 worth of items. Dejong was subsequently arrested and charged for theft under $5000 and obstructing a peace officer. He was remanded in custody.
- On Sept. 11, 2026, Nickolas Abraham (27) was arrested and charged outside Superstore for theft under $5000 and breach of probation after he concealed merchandise and exited the store without paying. Police were alerted to the incident by Loss Prevention Officers as approximately $558.00 worth of product had been stolen. Abraham was remanded into custody.
Retail theft affects more than store shelves. It impacts local businesses, employees, and the broader community. The Red Deer RCMP continues to work closely with retailers and community partners to prevent theft, identify offenders, and hold those responsible accountable. 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.
