Detectives are investigating a spate of shop thefts that they believe may be the work of an organised gang of seagulls.
Over the past month, more than 30 packets of chips, three sausage rolls and a whole tray of doughnuts have been snatched from outdoor tables along the seafront.
CCTV from one kiosk shows a bird entering the open shop door, picking up a bag of crisps and strolling out again. A second gull is said to have stood guard on the roof.
Trading standards officers have advised shops to keep doors shut and diners to keep their food covered. “These birds are cunning,” said one officer. “They work in pairs and they know the shop opening times better than we do.”
