July 26, 2024 — Wyke Regis, Dorset, England
Most shop owners worry about human shoplifters. Staff at Lyndale Central convenience store had a very different problem—a fearless seagull that had been stealing bags of chips for years.
The bird, affectionately nicknamed “Steven Seagull” by locals, had developed a routine that amazed both customers and employees. Whenever the shop door was left open, Steven would casually walk inside as if he belonged there.
Ignoring customers and staff, the bird would head straight for the snack aisle, grab his favorite bag of BBQ chips with his beak, and calmly stroll back outside before anyone could stop him.
According to the store manager, Steven had been pulling off these snack heists for more than six years and had stolen around 30 bags of chips in just two months.
Employees even tried placing extra-spicy chips near the entrance, hoping the bird would lose interest. Instead, Steven ignored every other flavor and continued searching until he found his favorite BBQ chips.
The bird became such a regular visitor that staff eventually put a humorous “wanted” poster on the shop door asking customers to close the entrance quickly to stop their feathered shoplifter from sneaking inside.
Even that didn’t always work.
When the door was closed, Steven was reportedly seen pecking at the glass, waiting for the next customer to unknowingly let him back into the store.
Videos of the seagull’s snack thefts quickly spread online, with many viewers comparing him to a professional thief who knew exactly what he wanted.
Although the stolen chips cost the shop money, staff admitted there was a funny side to the story, and Steven has since become something of a local celebrity.
