A CHEEKY seagull was seen tampering with a parking ticket lodged in a car’s windscreen before flying off and stealing it.
James Earley looked on in disbelief as the bird pecked away at the notice stuck to the car, which was parked in Kemp Town, Brighton.
The feathered thief can be seen holding the ticket in its beak before making off with it altogether.
James said he suspects the unknown driver will get a “nasty surprise” when a letter informing them of their late fine payments arrives in the post.
The seagull perched itself on the bonnet of the white car, before leaning forward to claim the ticket for its own.
The photos of the sneaky seagull were posted to Facebook page Brighton People, and users were quick to comment on its hilarious actions.
One Facebook user said: “I'd like to think the seagull had good intentions taking it in order to prevent the car owner from penalties. But then again.... It's a seagull. So that might be wishful thinking.”
Another said: “That seagull is worth millions, and I believe the council are giving the seagull a payrise this April.”
While the crafty creatures are known to steal a chip or two from unsuspecting beachgoers, it is less common for their antics to leave you out of pocket.
In 2020, Brighton beach was ranked as the worst spot in the UK for seagull attacks.
More than half the 1,640 Brits who took part in a recent survey have been ambushed by the birds across the UK.
People said they had been attacked by seagulls trying to snatch food such as fish and chips and ice cream, as well as other items including hats, sunglasses and handbags.
According to a study published in the Royal Society journal Open Science seagulls prefer food which has been handled by humans.
Seagulls will swoop down on people holding ice creams and other treats because they see it as a sign of food availability and “use human handling as a cue”.
Experts say the best way to protect food and belongings from gulls is to keep them close to your body to avoid them swopping.
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