Ever walked into a corner shop in Scotland and seen a bird browsing the snack aisle? Probably not. But back in 2007, a very specific feathered local in Aberdeen became a global superstar for doing exactly that. We’re talking about Sam the seagull shoplifting, a bizarre case of animal "crime" that wasn't just a one-off fluke. It was a daily routine.
Sam didn’t just swoop in and grab scraps. He had a process. He’d wait for the doors of the RS McColl newsagents in Aberdeen's Castlegate to swing open, waddle in with total confidence, and head straight for the bottom shelf. His prize? A 55p bag of Cheese Doritos.
Honestly, the most impressive part wasn't even the theft itself. It was the fact that Sam was a brand-loyalist. He ignored the Walkers, ignored the fruit, and bypassed the sweets. He wanted those tangy, cheesy chips. Every single time.
Why Sam the Seagull Shoplifting Wasn't Just a Viral Myth
You’ve likely seen the grainy cell phone footage. It looks like something from a low-budget comedy. A large herring gull casually strolls through a door, looks around to see if the coast is clear, and snatches a brightly colored bag.
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But this wasn't some training exercise or a staged video. Shop assistant Sriaram Nagarajan, who worked at the store at the time, confirmed that Sam was a regular. The bird had figured out the timing of the automatic doors. He’d wait for a customer to trigger the sensor, slip inside, and make his move.
- The Specific Choice: Sam always chose Cheese Doritos. He never touched the Chili Heatwave or the Cool Original.
- The Exit Strategy: Once he had the bag in his beak, he’d bolt back outside before the staff could react.
- The Afterparty: On the pavement outside, he’d tear the bag open. Interestingly, he wasn't a selfish thief; he often shared the spoils with other gulls who hadn't quite mastered the art of the heist.
The story got so big that locals actually started paying for his snacks. People found it so funny that they’d leave change on the counter to cover Sam’s "tab." It basically turned into a community-funded buffet for a bird that refused to forage like a normal animal.
The Science of the "Gull Heist"
Scientists at the University of Exeter have actually spent a lot of time looking into why gulls like Sam do this. It’s not just because they’re "pests." It’s a sign of high-level cognitive ability.
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A 2023 study published in Biology Letters revealed that urban gulls are masters of observation. They don't just find food; they watch what we eat. If they see a human holding a specific colored packet, they are 95% more likely to choose that same color when given a choice.
Sam wasn't just hungry; he was observant. He saw hundreds of people in Aberdeen walking around with those specific bags of Doritos and concluded, "That must be the good stuff."
The Shoplifting "Trend" Across the UK
Sam might be the OG, but he started a bit of a trend. Or maybe the birds just finally caught on to our habits. In 2024, another bird nicknamed "Steven Seagull" (classic) was banned from a store in Weymouth for a six-year stealing spree. Steven had a slightly different palate—he preferred BBQ-flavored crisps.
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The manager of that store, Stuart Harmer, mentioned that explaining "stock loss due to a bird" to the higher-ups was a nightmare. They thought it was a joke until they saw the security footage.
How to Actually Stop a Shoplifting Bird
If you find yourself being targeted by a Sam or a Steven, the "don't feed the birds" sign clearly isn't enough. These birds have basically hacked our social systems. However, researchers have found a few "peaceful" ways to keep your snacks safe:
- The Stare Down: Gulls are surprisingly sensitive to human gaze. A study found that if you lock eyes with a gull as it approaches, it takes them an average of 21 seconds longer to move in—if they don't give up entirely.
- Voice Inflection: Shouting "No!" is more effective than just talking. It sounds obvious, but gulls can actually distinguish between a calm human voice and an aggressive one, even at the same volume.
- Physical Barriers: In Weymouth, they eventually had to put up posters asking customers to "close the door" manually because the birds had mastered the automatic sensors.
What We Can Learn From Sam
The case of sam the seagull shoplifting tells us a lot about how wildlife adapts to our urban sprawl. While we see it as a nuisance or a funny YouTube clip, it’s actually an incredible display of animal intelligence. These birds are learning to navigate automatic doors, identify brands, and exploit human empathy (like the people who paid for Sam’s Doritos).
Next time you’re in a coastal town, keep a firm grip on your lunch. The gulls aren't just looking for scraps anymore—they might be looking for a specific flavor.
Next Steps for Bird Safety:
- Secure your bags: If you're carrying snacks in a transparent bag, turn the labels inward so they aren't as "visually loud" to passing gulls.
- Avoid outdoor displays: If you run a shop, keep snack displays away from the direct line of sight of the front door to reduce "impulse buys" from feathered visitors.
- Practice the Gaze: If a gull is eyeing your food, don't look away. Maintaining eye contact is often the only deterrent you need.