News · 2 days ago

Study finds seagulls steal £171 million of food from Britons each year

New research estimates that Britons collectively lose about £171 million worth of food annually due to seagulls. A Compare the Market survey revealed that 71% of adults in the UK have experienced a gull stealing or attempting to steal their food. Fish and chips were the most common target, with 72% of those surveyed reporting a chippy tea theft.

By BriefTea Editorial · 27 August 2026 at 14:41

Reported by Independent · How we write briefs

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How do they estimate food loss? Is this a new problem? What's a 'chippy tea'? Why are gulls so bold?

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