Tamara Prince (left) and Robert Hawkins (right) are wanted by Nanaimo RCMP for their alleged role in a jewelery store robbery in Nanaimo in early October. (submitted photos/RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

violent offenders

‘They are violent:’ Nanaimo RCMP hunt for accused jewelry store robbers

Dec 20, 2024 | 4:12 PM

NANAIMO — Warrants have been issued for a pair of people accused of violently robbing a jewelry store along Bowen Rd.

Three people smashed into Sonny’s Jewellers in the 2200 block of Bowen Rd., near Northfield Rd. on Oct. 2, attacked the owner with bear spray then fled with a considerable amount of jewelry.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW officers arrived a short time later and were able to make quick inroads into the investigation.

“Our Special Investigations Target Enforcement team, they took the lead. They arrested one individual on site…he remains in custody.”

Forty-five year old Robert Keith Hawkins and 41-year-old Tamara Leigh Prince are wanted in connection to the incident.

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Hawkins faces multiple charges including robbery, assault with a weapon, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and theft over $5,000.

He’s described as 6’1″ tall and heavy set.

Prince faces similar theft and possession of stolen property criminal code charges, and is described as an 5’9″ tall and also heavy set.

Police note both pictures attached are recent.

Sonny’s Jewellers was robbed in early October, allegedly by a trio of people who also attacked the owner. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The third person has been identified as 39-year-old James Stoppard. He was arrested on scene and remains in police custody.

O’Brien said the stolen items remain missing.

“We’re hoping the public will help us here. If you know where they are, call us on the non-emergency line. Don’t approach them, because they are violent.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hawkins or Prince is asked to contact 250 754 2345.

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