In Montreal, Canada, activists dressed as Robin Hood stole groceries from a market and handed them out for free, saying they were protesting high inflation, prompting police to open an investigation.
On Feb. 4, local time, CNN reported that about 60 activists from a group called "Robins of the Alley" swarmed an organic and health food store in Montreal, Canada, the previous night and walked out with groceries without paying.
Wearing feathered hats that evoked Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw of Britain, they placed the groceries in "community fridges" around the city. Community fridges are shared donation spaces operated in major cities in Canada and some other countries.
The group said the action was a protest against rising food prices. A group representative said in a statement, "We work nonstop every day to buy food at supermarkets that pursue profit only," adding, "When it is hard to make ends meet even with two jobs and it is overwhelming to care for family, all means are justified."
Police launched an investigation focusing on whether the incident was illegal. A Montreal police official said they are "currently investigating" theft and graffiti and noted there were no injuries and no arrests so far. The official added, "We do not have the exact amount of the loss, but it is estimated in the thousands of dollars," and "No items have been recovered so far."
Robins of the Alley also reportedly raided another grocery store last December dressed as Santa Claus, took food, and left some wrapped under a nearby Christmas tree. Police are currently investigating that case as well.