Police chase several jolly Santas and mischievous elves who have stolen thousands of pounds worth of groceries to give to the poor in a Robin Hood-esque crime.
The robbers, dressed in Christmas costumes, were caught red-handed as they were caught on CCTV filling shopping trolleys with food from a supermarket before leaving without paying.
Montreal-based activist group Robins of the Alleys claimed responsibility for the Christmas theft, stating on social media that their theft was well-intentioned.
The stolen food, estimated to be worth around £1,600, was stolen to help families in need get meals over the festive period, they explained.
The stolen goods were redistributed under a public Christmas tree and to community food banks, the group claimed.
“A handful of companies are holding our basic needs hostage,” they wrote online.
DISGRACING TIME
I was so drunk I wet myself at work on Christmas… but that’s not the worst part
“They continue to oppress the population and siphon off as much money as possible, simply because they can. For us, that is theft, and they are the real criminals.”
The group described Monday’s raid as a “great food drive” and a political call to action.
Montreal police confirmed they were investigating the robbery, which took place at a large supermarket in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood on Monday evening around 9:15 p.m.
Police are reviewing video footage of the incident, but no arrests have been made yet.
A spokesperson for Metro – the supermarket where the festive robbery took place – said it is important to remember that theft for any reason is unacceptable and constitutes a criminal act.
They added that the company has made several philanthropic efforts in 2025, including donating $1.15 million to food banks and millions of dollars in food donations elsewhere.
Political science lecturer Marc-André Cyr said that in the current political context, some people no longer trust institutions and therefore take direct action themselves.
“This kind of action works in the sense that it creates debate,” he told Radio-Canada’s Tout un matin, adding that the theft was “nonviolent, celebratory and timely.”
“There are people this week who ate much better than last week,” he said.
Reactions online were largely positive, with locals praising the Christmas watches.
“I keep hearing stories about food banks not having enough for everyone who needs it lately,” one person wrote.
“I’m sure the residents appreciate this kind of Santa Claus.”
Another said: “Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear Christmas costumes.”
“Leave Santa alone, he only does shopping for all the good people!” said someone else.
#Thieves #dressed #Santa #Clauses #steal #food #supermarket #give #poor