RCMP arrest several ‘prolific offenders’ in rural areas west of Edmonton

Insp. Kevin McGillivray is seen at a press conference on July 16, 2025. (CTV News Edmonton/Galen McDougall)

Since the beginning of summer, RCMP say they have arrested several “prolific offenders” in rural areas west of Edmonton.

“We’re not talking about people that have committed three or four crimes,” said Insp. Kevin McGillivray. “We’re talking about people that have committed 20, 30, 40 crimes.”

One investigation that led to three arrests, resulted in the seizure of five stolen trailers, two stolen lawnmowers, a stolen quad, skidsteer and travel trailer as well as stolen licence plates and identification documents and a sawed off shotgun.

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Two men and a woman were arrested and charged with a multitude of property crime related offences. They were all released and are to appear in court on July 30.

McGillivray said crime in the area often overlaps with criminal activity associated with drugs.

“We may have people fencing stolen property to feed their drug addiction,” said the Inspector.

Two other prolific offenders from Stony Plain were also arrested in June.

On June 21, police arrested a man after locating a stolen Subaru. A woman was arrested on June 25 after officers seized a package of drugs that was wrapped to look like a birthday present.

Both individuals were charged with various offences.

While RCMP continues to respond to crime in the area, data shows that crime has been on the decline.

Spruce Grove is seeing a 42 per cent decrease in vehicle thefts and break-and-enters compared to this time in 2024, according to RCMP.

Stony Plain has also seen a decrease in crime with 38 per cent fewer break-and-enters and vehicle thefts down 18 per cent.

“Provincially, the Alberta RCMP has seen a 15.2 per cent reduction in property crimes in rural areas compared to the same time last year,” said McGillivray. “That equates to over 1,000 less cases of people waking up in the morning to their vehicles missing, their garages broken into, worksites and copper wire stolen, ATMs ripped out of stores and various other crimes.”