Overview
- Montreal police are reviewing CCTV and social media footage from a Monday night incident at a Metro store, with no arrests reported as of Dec. 22.
- An activist collective calling itself Robins des Ruelles claimed responsibility, framing the coordinated shoplifting as a political protest over food prices.
- The group said the groceries were left under a Christmas tree at Place Valois and placed in community fridges across the city.
- Metro condemned the theft as criminal, argued prices reflect supply-chain costs and retail crime, and noted 2025 philanthropy including more than C$1 million in donations and additional food contributions.
- Videos of the stunt drew wide attention online as Canada reports 4.7% year-over-year grocery inflation in November and aid groups say many residents are skipping meals.