In reply to jon:
for those that don't speak French....or want to use babelfish....
"This is an unusual theft that took place at 3800 meters altitude. On the night of Sunday to Monday mountaineer of 48 years was stolen shoes. The theft took place at the refuge Taste the access road to the summit of Mont Blanc. The problem is that without shoes, mountaineering socks could not come down.
A climber was robbed of his shoes at the shelter located at 3835 Taste meters in the Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie). The 48 year old man had to be evacuated by helicopter of the Force in the Chamonix valley. Without proper equipment, and socks in the mountains, he could not move. To find the valley, and the Eagle's Nest (2372 meters), the terminus of the train of Mont Blanc, the climber would have to walk several hours without his shoes. Face the dangers and risks associated with negative temperatures, the man has been taken care of with all its equipment to 9am Monday rescuers Platoon mountain gendarmerie (PGHM) Chamonix."
disclaimer - translation unedited.
Pretty low taking someone's boots !
I wonder how often that occurs in the Alps.
What to do if you have just purchased a nice pair of expensive boots.
Would they be there in the morning ?