A FOOD delivery company is launching fish and chips patrols this summer to protect beachgoers from seagulls. 

Deliveroo will be carrying out “Chipwatch” across the country to enable people to eat their food in peace while at the beach. 

It comes after research found that 53 per cent of British people have experienced “seagull food theft”. 

On Friday, July 22, Brighton beachgoers will be able to enter the Chipwatch zones on a first-come, first-served basis and enjoy their fish and chips and other foods in peace.

A mobile seagull deterrent crew will be armed with reflective umbrellas, decoy hawks and a unique new seagull distracting track called Bye Gull Bye by Deliveroo.

The Argus:

Deliveroo worked with a seagull expert and sound engineers to create the audio track, which will provide background music at the zones to ensure a seagull-free experience.

It is also available on Youtube and Spotify, released this Friday. 

It has been produced in collaboration with Dr Madeleine Goumas, a researcher of urban herring gulls from the University of Exeter, who advised on the track as a safe way to deter seagulls while protecting diners at the same time.

The Argus:

Aisha Jefferson of Deliveroo said: “One of the biggest summer rituals is al fresco dining, especially on the beach, but seagulls can wreak havoc on your peaceful picnic. 

“If you’re worried about food-snatching seagulls, our Chipwatch crew will be on hand to protect you from having to share your food with our flying friends. 

“If the beach isn’t your thing but you still find yourself covering your chips, we’ve curated a seagull song that will safely distract and deter seagulls from pinching your food. 

The Argus:

“It’s also a bit of a banger and you play it via the Deliveroo Youtube or Spotify channel. Hopefully it’ll be music to your ears, but not so much the seagulls’.” 

The Chipwatch zones will be set up on Brighton beach on Friday, July 22, from 10am to 6pm.