Police in Montreal are investigating a bizarre holiday heist after a group dressed up as Santa and his elves allegedly stole $3,000 worth of groceries and gave them away to people in need.
The Robin Hood-style stunt unfolded the night of December 15 at a Metro grocery store, quickly going viral across social media.
A group calling itself ‘Robins des Ruelles’ (Robins of the Alleys) claimed responsibility in a statement posted online. The activists say several people dressed as Santa, along with around 40 masked accomplices in elf costumes, entered the store and shoplifted thousands of dollars in food.
According to the group, the groceries were taken to be redistributed to struggling Montrealers. Some items were reportedly left in a public square in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough at the base of a Christmas tree, along with a statement entitled, “When hunger justifies the means.” They say the rest will be handed out through community food banks.
The statement framed the theft as a political call to action and was shared on behalf of the group by another local activist organization, Les Soulèvements du fleuve.
Police investigate Robin Hood-style theft by Santa and elves
Montreal police confirmed they are investigating a theft under $5,000 at the Metro location.
A spokesperson said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and social media videos of the incident. As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made.
Photos and clips of Santas and elves carrying food out of the store have spread rapidly online, fueling debate over whether the stunt was charitable or criminal.
Metro spokesperson Geneviève Grégoire strongly condemned the incident, stressing that retail theft is rising across Canada.
“No matter the reason, it is unacceptable and a criminal act,” Grégoire said in a statement.
Some of the stolen items were left at the foot of a Christmas tree.
She cited data from the Retail Council of Canada showing retail crime caused $9.2 billion in losses nationwide in 2024. Grégoire also noted that Metro donated $1.15 million and provided more than $81 million worth of food products to food banks in 2025.
The Santa-themed grocery raid is just the latest holiday crime to grab attention online.
Earlier this month, police in Napa County, California, dressed as Santa Claus while arresting two men accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of Christmas trees and wreaths.
In Ontario, police in Brantford were also called after “Santa is fake” signs appeared during a Christmas parade, with some residents attempting to play Grinch during the festivities.
