Santa and elves steal $3K from grocery store
URGENT UPDATE: A group of thieves, donning costumes as Santa and his elves, executed a daring heist at a Metro grocery store in Montreal, stealing approximately $3,200 worth of food late Monday night. The incident unfolded around 9:15 PM on December 18, 2023, shaking the local community and raising questions about food accessibility amid rising inflation.
Montreal police spokesperson, Caroline Chèvrefils, confirmed that several “masked and disguised individuals” stormed the store, filling their trolleys in what they described as a Robin Hood-style operation. The group, known as Robins Des Ruelles (Robins of the Alleys), claimed responsibility for the theft, framing it as a political statement against soaring food prices.
The stolen goods were reportedly delivered to a Christmas tree at Place Valois in the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, with remaining items distributed to community fridges. The group justified their actions in a statement titled “Hunger justifies the means,” highlighting the struggles many face due to inflation: “A handful of businesses are holding our vital needs hostage. For us, this is what stealing is and they are the bandits.”
The heist has not only sparked outrage but also raised eyebrows regarding corporate ethics. Eric Laflèche, president of Metro, receives an annual salary with bonuses totaling around $6.1 million, while employees are left earning minimum wage. The stark contrast has fueled the public’s reaction to the theft.
In response to the incident, Geneviève Grégoire, a spokesperson for Metro, emphasized that theft remains a criminal act, regardless of the motives behind it. “Inflation in the food sector is largely influenced by external factors, including disruptions to the global supply chain,” she stated. Grégoire also noted that Metro has engaged in various philanthropic efforts in 2023, including a $1.15 million donation to food banks, underscoring their commitment to the community.
As the investigation continues, Montreal police have yet to make any arrests related to this high-profile case. The heist has ignited a debate about the impact of inflation on food security and the lengths to which individuals will go to address their needs.
What happens next? Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. As discussions around food access and corporate responsibility heat up, the community is left grappling with the implications of this brazen act.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
