What was the name of McDonald’s character who stole hamburgers in 1970s advertising?

The Hamburglar was McDonald’s character who stole hamburgers in 1970s advertising.

The Hamburglar became part of McDonaldland, McDonald’s fantasy advertising universe introduced in 1971. He was portrayed as a small, mischievous character obsessed with hamburgers, using the theft motif as a playful way to make the brand’s food memorable to children.

His early appearance was more sinister and adult-looking than the simplified character later used in advertising. McDonald’s eventually redesigned him with a shorter, more child-friendly appearance and a clearer visual identity.

The Hamburglar is sometimes confused with Captain Crook, whose character was associated with Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, or Grimace, who began as a milkshake-related character. Their roles were different even though all appeared in McDonaldland campaigns.