The Hamburglar was the McDonaldland character known for wearing striped clothing and trying to steal hamburgers.
The character was introduced as a small, mischievous figure whose defining behavior was taking or attempting to take hamburgers. His black-and-white striped clothing and later red cape, gloves, and hat made him visually recognizable in McDonald’s advertising.
The Hamburglar’s design changed substantially over time. Early versions were more sinister and had limited speech, while later campaigns presented a younger, more cartoon-like character. These redesigns reflected broader changes in children’s advertising and in the appearance of the McDonaldland cast.
The name is sometimes written as if it were a general nickname, but “The Hamburglar” is the character’s established branded name. He is also distinct from Grimace, whose early stories focused on stealing milkshakes rather than hamburgers.