RCMP Update: Stolen Peacock Case Resolved, Truck Still Missing in Alberta

Community Safety Alert – Alberta

On April 26, 2026, two members of the public discovered a crate containing the stolen peacock and peahen along Highway 16 near Duffield, Alberta. The exotic birds, known as Pete (peacock) and Hilda (peahen), were safely rescued and cared for until their rescuers realized—through media coverage—that the pair were connected to an active theft investigation.

The individuals immediately contacted Smoky Lake RCMP, who arranged for Pete and Hilda to be returned to their rightful owners. While the birds are now safely back home, the stolen vehicle involved in the incident, a white 2005 Ford F350, is still unaccounted for, and the investigation by Parkland RCMP and Smoky Lake RCMP continues.

Official Details from RCMP

According to information provided by Parkland RCMP and Smoky Lake RCMP:

• On April 26, 2026, two members of the public located a crate containing the stolen peacock and peahen on Highway 16 near Duffield, Alberta.
• The rescuers temporarily cared for Pete (peacock) and Hilda (peahen) before recognizing, via media coverage, that the birds were reported stolen.
• The individuals then contacted Smoky Lake RCMP, who coordinated the safe return of the birds to their owners.
• The white 2005 Ford F350 associated with this theft remains missing.
• The truck is described as a white 2005 Ford F350 with British Columbia licence plate SY7996.

A photo released with the official RCMP update shows the recovered peacock and peahen:

RCMP have highlighted this incident as a positive example of how public awareness and timely reporting can directly assist police efforts and lead to successful outcomes. For communities across Alberta, including rural regions and areas with active agricultural and animal-related activity such as those around Pigeon Lake 138A crime and safety statistics, this collaboration between residents and law enforcement is essential for maintaining public safety.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this case illustrates how even unusual theft-related incidents—such as the disappearance of exotic animals—are often tied to broader property crime issues, including vehicle theft and rural crime. While the outcome for Pete and Hilda was positive, the still-missing white 2005 Ford F350 (BC plate SY7996) is a reminder that high-value vehicles and equipment are frequent targets across Alberta and elsewhere in Canada.

We encourage residents to remain attentive to suspicious activity involving parked or abandoned vehicles, animal trailers, and transport crates along major routes like Highway 16. Documenting licence plates, noting exact locations, and promptly reporting irregular situations to local police helps protect property and supports collective safety. Reviewing local crime patterns—such as those found in our community-level data sets for nearby regions and other rural jurisdictions—can also help residents better understand risks and strengthen prevention measures in their own communities.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the alberta community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.