Which McDonald’s mascot was associated with stealing hamburgers?

The Hamburglar was the McDonald’s mascot associated with stealing hamburgers.

The Hamburglar was introduced as a McDonaldland character and was typically portrayed as a small, mischievous figure who wanted to take hamburgers. His name made the character’s role immediately understandable and connected him directly to one of McDonald’s signature menu items.

The character’s appearance changed over time. Early versions looked more like an older, sinister figure, while later advertising presented the Hamburglar as a childlike character in a striped outfit and cape. These redesigns reflected changes in McDonald’s family-oriented advertising style.

The Hamburglar is distinct from Mayor McCheese, whose head was a hamburger, and Grimace, who was a purple character. All three belonged to McDonaldland, but only the Hamburglar was defined by the hamburger-stealing gag.