A group of approximately 40 individuals, identifying themselves as Robins des Ruelles – Robins of the Alleys – entered a Montreal supermarket dressed in red suits and accompanied by masked “elves” late Monday. They proceeded to load bags with groceries valued at thousands of dollars before leaving the store.
Grocery Theft Highlights Cost of Living Concerns
The group later released a statement explaining the action as a protest against the rising cost of living in Canada and what they describe as excessive profits by grocery chains. They stated the stolen groceries would be distributed to those in need.
The group, in a statement titled “When hunger justifies the means,” argued that they are “working more and more just to be able to buy food from supermarket chains that take advantage of inflation as a pretext to make record profits.”
Metro, a grocery store owner with eight major brands in Ontario and Quebec, responded with a statement condemning the theft as a criminal act. Spokesperson Geneviève Grégoir cited disruptions in the global supply chain, commodity price volatility, international trade changes, and retail crime as factors influencing price increases.
According to Metro, prices reflect the costs throughout the supply chain. The company also highlighted its charitable contributions, noting a $1.15 million donation and over $81 million in food products provided to food banks in 2025.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the theft, but no arrests have been made as of this reporting. The Robins des Ruelles deposited some of the stolen groceries in a public square near a Christmas tree on Tuesday evening, with plans to distribute the remainder through local food banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Robins des Ruelles?
The Robins des Ruelles – Robins of the Alleys – are a group of approximately 40 individuals who carried out the grocery theft in Montreal.
What was the group’s stated motivation?
The group stated their action was intended to highlight the spiralling cost of living crisis and what they perceive as excessive profits by supermarket chains, justifying the theft as a means to provide food for those in need.
What was the response from Metro?
Metro condemned the theft as a criminal act and stated that price increases are influenced by factors including disruptions in the global supply chain, commodity prices, and retail crime. They also highlighted their charitable contributions to food banks.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen whether this incident will spark further direct action or prompt renewed debate about grocery pricing and affordability in Canada. Will this event lead to increased security measures at grocery stores, or will it fuel broader calls for systemic change?
