Thieves dressed as Santa Claus and elves stole cartloads of groceries from a Montreal supermarket on Monday night. The incident occurred shortly before Christmas and is now under police investigation.

According to Montreal police spokesperson Johany Charland, the theft happened around 9:40 p.m. Police believe the items taken were food. However, investigators are still reviewing details.

Charland said officers are examining surveillance footage. They are also interviewing witnesses. Meanwhile, police have not confirmed the motive behind the theft.

Soon after, an activist group claimed responsibility. The group, known as Les Soulèvements du Fleuve, said the action was inspired by Robin Hood. They stated the goal was to provide food to people in need.

Additionally, the group posted an edited video on Instagram. The footage shows several people wearing Santa suits and elf hats. They appear to remove food from shelves inside a Metro grocery store in Montreal.

Furthermore, the group claimed the groceries were redistributed. According to their posts, some items were placed under a tree in a neighborhood. Others were reportedly given to community fridges. However, no video evidence of redistribution was shared.

In another statement, the group criticized large businesses. They accused some companies of controlling access to essential goods. They also described rising food costs as a form of theft against the public.

Meanwhile, police declined to comment on the group’s stated motive. Charland said the investigation remains ongoing.

The incident comes amid rising grocery prices in Canada. According to data cited by CBC, grocery prices rose nearly five percent year over year. This increase occurred despite easing inflation in other areas.

In response, Metro grocery chain spokesperson Geneviève Grégoire issued a statement. She said retail crime is unacceptable, regardless of motive. She also explained that many factors affect food prices.

Grégoire cited supply chain disruptions and commodity price changes. She also mentioned international trade conditions and retail theft. She said shelf prices reflect supply chain costs.

Additionally, Grégoire highlighted Metro’s charitable contributions. She said the company has donated millions to food banks. This includes $1.15 million in cash and $81.6 million worth of food products.

CNN reached out to Les Soulèvements du Fleuve for comment. As of publication, the group had not responded.

For now, police continue their investigation. No arrests have been announced. The case remains under review as authorities gather more information.

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