Red Deer RCMP say they have recovered a funeral home's van that had a dead body in the back thanks to tips from the public.

Police say the van was found in the Glendale neighbourhood, with the body still in the vehicle.

RCMP say officers remained in the community going door to door asking people if they had seen anything suspicious.

The van was stolen from the parking lot of a funeral home after the driver "briefly exited the van," according to RCMP in the central Alberta city.

"This vehicle theft was almost certainly a crime of opportunity, but with a very unfortunate and upsetting twist in that there is a deceased person in the back," said Red Deer RCMP Supt. Ken Foster in a news release.

"This is a sensitive incident and we're very aware of the distress it is causing to the family of the deceased and everyone connected to the incident. Red Deer RCMP have been working non-stop since the theft was reported, and we have committed extensive resources and effort, including the helicopter, to locate this van and resolve this situation as quickly as possible."

The black, 2014 Chrysler Town and Country was stolen at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The investigation is on going and no suspect has been identified.