On Jan. 25, 2026, Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT) launched a pro-active operation to help deter and reduce vehicle theft.
A GPS tracked bait vehicle was parked by police in a mixed commercial and residential area of Red Deer. The following day, on Jan. 26, 2026, the vehicle was stolen and RCMP were able to track this vehicle to Mirror, Alberta.
Red Deer RCMP CRT worked with the assistance of Red Deer RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS), General Investigation Section (GIS), Alberta RCMP Air Services and Auto Theft Section, as well as the Bashaw RCMP, to execute a search warrant at a residence in Mirror, Alta.
As a result of the search warrant, police seized two stolen vehicles (including the GPS tracked vehicle), stolen license plates, and a firearm.
Kevin Babcock (47), a resident of Swan Hills, Alta., has been charged with the following:
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Fraudulent concealment
- Possession of break-in instrument
- Operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited
- Obstruction of a peace officer
- Drive uninsured motor vehicle on highway
- Possession of tobacco products not marked for tax-paid sale
At the time of his arrest, Babcock was wanted by Drayton Valley RCMP and Edmonton Police Service. He was arrested on those outstanding warrants.
Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Babcock was released from custody with conditions and was scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Jan. 30, 2026.
Babcock failed to attend court and a warrant was issued by the court.
The Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team is dedicated to reducing crime in our community by targeting prolific and auto-theft offenders.
If you have any information regarding crime within Red Deer, please contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. 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. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
