The activist group, calling themselves Robins des Ruelles (Robins of the Alleys), stated that approximately 60 members, some adorned with Robin Hood-style feathered hoods, entered a Rachelle Bery chain store in Montreal on the evening of 3/2. They took various goods without payment.
The group later posted a video, styled with text overlays reminiscent of the 1938 Robin Hood film, showing masked individuals moving through aisles, gathering food and medicine. Some members used spray paint to obscure security cameras both inside and outside the premises. Robins des Ruelles claimed to have taken thousands of USD worth of goods, which they then distributed to community kitchens serving the city's poor, also leaving a portion in front of a nearby building. The group characterized these actions as a "political act" protesting rising food prices driven by inflation.
Jean Pierre Brabant, a spokesperson for Montreal police, confirmed that an investigation into the robbery has been opened. However, no suspects have been arrested, and the exact quantity and value of the stolen items remain undetermined.
This incident was not isolated. A few weeks prior, Robins des Ruelles targeted another Montreal supermarket using a similar approach. In that instance, members disguised themselves as Santa Claus and elves, took food, and left a portion under a Christmas tree. Brabant noted that city police are still investigating this earlier event, and no arrests have been made.
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The group left a portion of food in front of a building near the grocery store after the robbery on the evening of 3/2. Photo: Instagram/soulevementsdufleuve |
The cost of living is a significant concern across Canada. Food prices in the country increased by 4,7% from 11/2024 to 11/2025, a rate more than double the general inflation.
Francis, a member of Robins des Ruelles, articulated the group's frustration: "We work tirelessly every day, just to afford food at supermarkets that chase profits. All methods are justified when you are working two jobs and still cannot afford to eat, have nowhere to live, or cannot care for your family."
Duc Trung (According to CNN, CBC, Globe and Mail)
