On Monday, December 15, a group of 40 activists dressed as Santa Claus and elves raided a Montreal grocery store, stealing about $3,000 worth of goods.
Activists in Santa and Elf Costumes
A mob of 40 individuals in Santa Claus and elf outfits broke into a Montreal grocery store on December 15. They removed goods valued at roughly three thousand dollars.
The perpetrators admitted to the theft and identified themselves as members of the group Robins des Ruelles, known in Polish as Robin Hoodzi Zaułków.
Distribution to the Needy
The activists claimed they distributed the stolen food to people in need, citing the rising cost of living as a critical issue.
They posted the experience on the Instagram profile Les Soulèvements du Fleuve, emphasizing that many cannot meet basic needs.
Criticisms of Rising Living Costs
“A handful of businesses keep us hostage, exploiting our basic needs,” quoted activists. “They keep suppressing people to squeeze out as much money as possible, simply because they can. For us, it’s theft, and they are the real bandits.”
Police Statement and Investigation
The police issued a statement that an investigation is underway into the Montreal store theft.
Law enforcement stressed that theft is a crime regardless of the participants’ intentions, and warned that retail crime is becoming an increasingly serious problem for Canadian services.