Even thieves are getting into the Christmas spirit this year, with a group of shoplifters caught on camera dressed as Santa and his elves.
The disguised group stormed a Canadian supermarket and began filling up their trolleys in a Robin Hood-style heist.
Montreal police spokesperson, Caroline Chèvrefils, told CBC that several “masked and disguised individuals” stormed the Metro grocery store around 9.15pm on Monday.
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A group called Robins Des Ruelles – or Robins of the Alleys – has claimed responsibility for the stunt, describing it as a political call to action.
Around $3000 worth of food was taken, which the group claim to have put under a Christmas tree at place Valois in Montreal’s Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, with leftovers going to various community fridges.
The group claim to have put the stolen goods under a Christmas tree at place Valois in Montreal’s Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough. Credit: @soulevementsdufleuve/Instagram
In their statement titled “Hunger justifies the means”, the group justifies their crime by referencing surging inflation that has made it difficult for people to afford food.
“A handful of businesses are holding our vital needs hostage. For us, this is what stealing is and they are the bandits.
“The president of the Metro, Eric Laflèche, is given a salary with a bonus of about $6.1 million, while his employees are paid minimum wage to watch other poor people scanning their items.”
Geneviève Grégoire, a spokesperson for Metro, told CBC that regardless of the motive, theft is considered a criminal act.
“Inflation in the food sector is largely influenced by external factors, including disruptions to the global supply chain, volatile commodity prices, and changes in international trade conditions,” she said. “Prices on store shelves directly reflect supply chain costs.”
Ms Grégoire followed up by saying that the company has engaged in several philanthropic efforts in 2025, including $1.15 million donated to food banks.
Montreal police have yet to make any arrests over the incident.
