POLICE are chasing several jolly Santas and naughty elves who stole thousands of pounds worth of groceries to give to the poor in a Robin Hood-style crime.
The Yuletide costumed robbers were caught red-handed on CCTV filling shopping trolleys with food from a grocery store before leaving without paying.
Montreal-based activist group Robins of the Alleys claimed responsibility for the Christmas pilfer, stating on social media that their thievery was well-meaning.
The stolen food, estimated to be about £1,600 worth, was stolen in order to help struggling families have meals over the festive period, they explained.
The nicked goods were redistributed under a public Christmas tree and to community food banks, the group claimed.
“A handful of corporations are holding our basic needs hostage,” they wrote online.
“They continue to stifle the population, siphoning off as much money as possible, simply because they can. For us, that’s 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 occurred around 9.15pm Monday night in a major grocery store in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood.
Police are reviewing videos of the incident but no arrests have been made.
A spokesperson from Metro – the grocery store in which the festive heist took place – said it was important to remember that theft, for any reason, is unacceptable and constitutes a criminal act.
They added that the company has engaged in several philanthropic efforts in 2025, including donating $1.15 million to food banks and millions of dollars’ worth of food donations elsewhere.
Marc-André Cyr, a lecturer in political science said that in the current political context some people no longer trust institutions so are taking direct action themselves.
“This type of action works in the sense that it creates debate,” he said told Radio-Canada’s Tout un matin, adding the theft was “non-violent, festive, timely”.
“There are people this week who ate much better than last week,” he said.
The reaction online has been largely positive, with locals praising the Christmastime vigilantes.
“Constantly hearing stories how the food banks don’t have enough for all who need it lately,” one person wrote.
“I’m sure the residents appreciate these type of Santas.”
Another said: “Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear Santa costumes”.
“Leave Santa alone he’s just doing his shopping for all the good people!” someone else said.
