The Hamburglar was the McDonald’s mascot known for trying to steal hamburgers.
The character appeared as a small, mischievous figure whose name combined “hamburger” with the word “burglar.” His striped clothing and comic attempts to obtain hamburgers made him one of the most recognizable figures in McDonald’s advertising during the McDonaldland era.
The Hamburglar’s appearance changed over time. Early versions were more villain-like, while a later redesign presented him as a smaller, childlike character. The changes reflected McDonald’s broader effort to make its fictional cast friendlier and more appealing to children.
The Hamburglar is often confused with Grimace because both characters had mischievous early roles. Their branding functions were different: the Hamburglar targeted hamburgers, while Grimace was originally connected with milkshakes. That product distinction explains the names and jokes used in their advertising.