In a bizarre holiday-season incident, a group of individuals dressed as Santa Claus and masked elves carried out a brazen robbery at a Metro grocery store in Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. The event, which unfolded on Monday night, has sparked a police investigation and claims of responsibility from a local activist organization.
The Festive Heist: Details of the Robbery
The unusual crime occurred at 9:40 p.m. on Monday, December 16, at the Metro located on Laurier Avenue near Chambord Street. According to Montreal police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant, the perpetrators made off with a significant quantity of food. The police estimate the value of the stolen goods to be under $5,000.
Shortly after the incident, the activist group Les soulèvements du fleuve took to Instagram to claim involvement. In their social media post, they provided a slightly different figure, stating the food was valued at just under $3,000. The group further identified the participants as "Robins des ruelles"—a playful nod to Robin Hood—and alleged that the stolen items were not kept for personal gain.
From Robbery to Redistribution: The Activists' Claim
In a twist that frames the act as one of civil disobedience rather than simple theft, the activist group stated the food was donated. They claimed to have placed the groceries under a Christmas tree in Place Valois, located in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough. This act, they implied, was a symbolic gesture of redistribution during the holiday season.
Montreal police confirmed they are aware of the social media claims but are treating the event as a robbery. No arrests have been made as of the latest reports. Spokesperson Brabant indicated the investigation is active, with officers reviewing surveillance footage from the store and videos circulating on social media platforms. "We're looking into it," Brabant stated.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Reaction
The case presents a complex picture for law enforcement, blending a clear criminal act with a publicly stated socio-political motive. While the activists have framed their actions as a protest against food insecurity, the Montreal police service's mandate is to investigate the theft itself. The juxtaposition of festive costumes with a serious crime has captured local attention, raising questions about the methods of protest and the broader issues of poverty and access to essentials.
The investigation remains open, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Plateau grocery store has resumed normal operations in the aftermath of the event.
