On January 25, 2026, the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team initiated a proactive operation to combat vehicle theft by deploying a GPS-tracked bait vehicle in a mixed-use area of Red Deer.
The following day, the vehicle was stolen and tracked to Mirror, Alberta.
Collaborating with multiple RCMP units, including Police Dog Services, General Investigation Section, Air Services, Auto Theft Section, and Bashaw RCMP, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Mirror.
This led to the recovery of two stolen vehicles, including the bait vehicle, stolen license plates, and a firearm.
Kevin Babcock, 47, of Swan Hills, Alberta, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including theft of a motor vehicle and possession of break-in instruments.
At the time of his arrest, Babcock was also wanted by Drayton Valley RCMP and Edmonton Police Service.
After a Judicial Interim Release hearing, he was released with conditions but failed to appear in court on January 30, resulting in a warrant for his arrest.
The Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team remains committed to reducing crime by targeting prolific and auto-theft offenders.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
