Prestige Jewellers, image by Jon Tupper
FORT McMURRAY, AB. — RCMP investigating major theft from beloved downtown jeweller.
Police in Fort McMurray are investigating two early-morning break-ins at jewelry stores that occurred within minutes of each other on Tuesday and are believed to be connected.
The first incident happened around 4:04 a.m. at Canadian Jewellers on Main Street, where suspects attempted to force entry into the building, but succeeded in only damaging the front gate and door. The business owner was awakened by the disturbance and confronted the intruders, who fled quickly in a grey SUV. No items were reported stolen from the location.
Shortly after, the same group is believed to have broken into Peter Pond Mall downtown. Around 4:20 a.m., suspects smashed through the mall’s exterior glass doors before forcing entry into Prestige Jewellers, a long-standing business known throughout Fort McMurray for community support and generosity.
The suspects, dressed in black clothing with their faces concealed, stole an undisclosed amount of jewellery and fled the area in the same grey SUV, last seen heading northbound on MacDonald Avenue. The initial estimated loss is approximately $400,000,
Prestige Jewellers, owned by beloved local businessman and philanthropist Mohamed Tarrabin, has often supported community members through charitable raffles and quiet donations. Tarrabin is now assessing the damage to his store, including shattered display cases and significant interior destruction. “Despite the fear and chaos, we stand tall — stronger than ever,” said Tarabin. Adding, “Prestige Jewellers is open and here for our community. Your support means everything.”
While the store’s insurance will cover most of the loss, the deductible alone is comparable to the cost of a home in Fort McMurray. But Tarrabin states, “This will never change who we are. Community comes first, always.”
Surveillance footage captured images of the suspects, and the vehicle involved. Wood Buffalo RCMP are continuing their investigation with support from the Criminal Intelligence Unit, Forensic Investigation Services and the General Investigation Section.
Police are asking anyone with information or who may recognize the suspects or vehicle from surveillance footage to contact RCMP or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Tarrabin tells Harvard Media he enjoys seeing love every day, with couples buying wedding bands and engagement rings, but he loves Fort McMurray most of all. “Even with this incident, our love for Fort McMurray will only grow stronger.”
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