The Hamburglar is the McDonald’s character identified by a striped shirt and a tendency to steal hamburgers.
He was part of McDonaldland, the fictional advertising world used by McDonald’s to promote the restaurant to children. The character’s original concept centered on playful hamburger theft, making him an easily understood comic figure in television commercials and promotional materials.
The Hamburglar’s appearance changed over time. Early versions were shorter and more mischievous, while a later redesign presented him as a younger, more stylized character. His familiar striped clothing and hamburger theme remained central to the identity.
The character is often confused with Grimace, whose branding centers on a large purple figure, or Mayor McCheese, whose head is a cheeseburger. All three belonged to McDonaldland, but only the Hamburglar was defined by stealing hamburgers.