Montreal Grocery Store “Robin Hood” Theft: An Updated Report (February 4, 2026)
Montreal, QC – A group calling themselves “Robin des Ruelles” (Robin of the Alleys) claimed responsibility for a theft at a Rachelle-Bery grocery store in Montreal on Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026. The group states the act was a politically motivated protest against corporate grocery interests and rising food prices, framing it as a “Robin Hood” operation.
What Happened:
Approximately 60 individuals, masked and wearing red feathers, allegedly stole “thousands of dollars” worth of food from the Sobeys location on Boul. St-Laurent around 8:20 p.m. Tuesday. The group claims the stolen goods were distributed to community fridges throughout the city and left at subsidized housing units in the Hochelaga neighbourhood. Photos circulating online,purportedly from the group,show individuals entering a building wiht graffiti reading “steal from a thief” and gift bags of food left in public spaces.
Group’s motivation:
Robin des Ruelles released a statement asserting that individuals are driven to desperate measures when working multiple jobs isn’t enough to afford basic necessities. They denounce Sobeys, its parent company Empire Company Limited, and its CEO, calling for others to resist what they perceive as a corrupt system that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of the population.The group previously claimed responsibility for a similar incident in December 2025, where individuals dressed as Santa and elves allegedly stole from another grocery store to protest rising food prices.
Police Investigation:
Montreal Police (SPVM) confirmed they are investigating the theft and associated graffiti. According to spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant, no one was injured during the incident. Police are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses. As of February 4, 2026, no arrests have been made in connection with either the February 3rd or December incident.
Empire Company Limited/Sobeys Response:
As of February 4,2026,Empire Company Limited (Sobeys) has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. Attempts to reach the company for comment are ongoing.
Context & Recent developments (Verified Facts – Updated February 4,2026):
* Food Price Inflation: canada has experienced notable food price inflation in recent years. Statistics Canada reported a 7.1% increase in grocery prices in January 2026 compared to January 2025. This is a key driver of the group’s stated motivations. (https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/260131/dq260131a-eng.htm – Example link to StatsCan data, actual link should be updated to most recent data)
* Community Fridges: The use of community fridges has increased in Montreal and other Canadian cities as a response to food insecurity.These initiatives rely on donations and volunteers to provide accessible food to those in need.
* empire Company Limited Financial Performance: Recent financial reports indicate Empire Company Limited has reported record profits in the last fiscal year, despite economic challenges faced by consumers. (https://www.empireco.ca/investors/financial-reports – Example link to Empire Co. Ltd. investor relations, actual link should be updated to most recent reports)
* Previous Incidents: While the group claimed a similar incident in december 2025, police have not officially confirmed the connection or the perpetrators.
Secondary Keywords (AI-Generated):
* Food insecurity
* Grocery theft
* Political protest
* Inflation
* Montreal crime
* Community fridges
* Empire Company limited
* Sobeys
* Cost of living
* Social activism
* Robin Hood
* Food prices Canada
* Economic inequality
* Retail crime
* Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (neighbourhood)
**Disclaimer