For the past 6 years, a convenience store in Dorset, England, has been repeatedly targeted by a cunning seagull thief. The crafty seagull sneaks into the store to snatch entire bags of crisps, then enjoys its loot outside. Despite the store urging customers to close the door after entering, this tactic has proven ineffective in deterring the seagull thief.
According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the store manager, Stuart Harmer, shared that a seagull named Steven has a six-year history of theft. In just the past 2 months, Steven has stolen approximately 30 bags of crisps. It sneaks in when the door is open, swoops in from a shelf next to the door, grabs an entire bag of crisps, and then feasts with its companions outside, pecking open the packaging with its beak.
Harmer said, “Many customers have seen it in action, and it’s not shy at all.” Acknowledging Steven’s audacity and occasional nuisance, Harmer expressed helplessness, saying, “What can you do?”
Harmer recounted how he informed the authorities about the seagull stealing his stock, but they thought he was joking. Despite the store’s staff putting up signs asking customers to “Please close the door behind you to prevent our habitual thief from getting in!,” this measure has not been effective as Steven can use its beak to open the door.
Steven’s favorite crisps flavor is barbecue beef. In attempts to curb its appetite, the store once tried placing spicy crisps on the shelves, but to no avail as Steven still managed to find its preferred flavor.
In addition to crisps, the seagull also steals people’s sandwiches, ice cream, fries, and other foods. This behavior is well-known. A study conducted by the University of Sussex in 2023 sought to understand this behavior of seagulls.
The research revealed that seagulls’ thievery is a symbol of intelligence, as these birds can learn how to mimic human food choices. Seagulls observe humans and their food choices to inform their own food preferences.
Professor of Neurobehavioral Science at the university, Paul Graham, pointed out that reducing littering could potentially lower the likelihood of seagulls stealing our food. This is because improper waste disposal enhances seagulls’ understanding of our diverse food choices and tastes.