In a bizarre holiday-themed heist, a group of individuals dressed as Santa Claus and elves stole thousands of dollars worth of groceries from a Montreal supermarket this week, asserting that their actions were motivated by Robin Hood-style altruism to aid the less fortunate amidst rising food costs.
The incident unfolded on Monday night at a Metro grocery store in Montreal, where approximately 40 people wearing Santa suits and elf costumes were captured on video filling carts with food items. Police were alerted around 9:40 p.m., and spokesperson Johany Charland confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.
An activist group known as “Les Soulèvements du Fleuve” or “Robins des Ruelles” (Robins of the Alleys) claimed responsibility for the theft in social media posts. They released edited videos on Instagram showing the costumed individuals raiding shelves and described the event as a political statement against corporate greed and food insecurity.
In a statement titled “When Hunger Justifies the Means,” the group accused major supermarket chains of exploiting inflation to maximize profits, thereby holding basic necessities hostage. They argued that the high cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for ordinary people to afford groceries, justifying their theft as a means to redistribute wealth.
According to data from the Canadian government, grocery prices in the country have risen nearly 5% year-over-year, despite a general slowdown in inflation. This context highlights the economic pressures that the activists cite as motivation for their actions, pointing to broader issues of affordability and inequality.
The Metro grocery chain responded to the incident through spokesperson Geneviève Grégoire, who condemned the theft as unacceptable retail crime. Grégoire emphasized that various factors, including global supply chain disruptions and commodity price volatility, influence food prices, and noted that Metro has contributed millions to charities and food banks.
Following the raid, the activists claimed to have distributed the stolen goods, worth an estimated $3,000, to those in need. Some items were reportedly left under a Christmas tree in a public square, while others were donated to community fridges, though no verifiable footage of the redistribution was provided.
The Montreal police have not made any arrests yet and are treating the case as a criminal investigation. The event has sparked a public debate on the ethics of civil disobedience, the role of corporations in addressing social issues, and the effectiveness of such stunts in drawing attention to food insecurity.
As the holiday season continues, this incident underscores the growing tensions around economic disparity and activist tactics. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to broader discussions on policy changes or if it will be viewed merely as an isolated act of protest.
