Watch out Hamburglar, you’re next.

DOVER — Local activists are putting forth a petition this week requesting the retirement of longtime fast food icon Ronald McDonald.

The Retire Ronald campaign, part of the Value the Meal Campaign effort initiated by Corporate Accountability International, is taking aim Thursday at McDonald’s franchises in three locations around the nation, including Portsmouth.

Sriram Madhusoodanan, the Portsmouth organizer with Corporate Accountability International, said the organization targets aggressive marketing aimed at children that promotes unhealthy food and therefore plays a significant role in dietary diseases in children.

“We’re trying to put an end to that aggressive marketing,” he said.

…According to a statement from Corporate Accountability International, the effort is fueled by a growing number of children who are overweight or obese, which predisposes them to “a lifetime of debilitating conditions from diabetes to heart disease.”

In addition, the group notes new U.S. Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines linking consumption of fast food with increased risk of obesity.