Rufus the Harris’s hawk to keep the skies free of chip thieves at this year’s Southampton Boat Show

Southampton International Boat Show is tackling chip thievery head-on by hiring the UK’s most famous hawk as its new head of seagull security to deter hungry gulls.

Rufus the Hawk, who also patrols Wimbledon every year, will look to keep the skies seagull-free at this year’s show and create a ‘safe chip zone’ for everyone to enjoy.

His appointment comes after research found that seagulls have been responsible for the theft of more than 60 million chips in the UK, affecting nearly two in five adults.

A sixth of those surveyed have even resigned to quit the chips completely, opting for seaside treats that are less likely to be pinched.

And Southampton was found to have one of highest seagull related chip theft rates in the UK, with 44 per cent of residents having experienced it first-hand – more than other South Coast destinations like Brighton and Plymouth.

Rufus will be on duty on Saturday 14 September. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to meet him and get pictures with the UK’s hardest working seagull security.

Southampton International Boat Show runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 September 2024.

• Tickets are available at southamptonboatshow.com