A family-run Chinatown restaurant in Manchester has released CCTV footage of a customer who ran off without paying. The incident occurred at Noodle Alley on Faulkner Street on Tuesday, August 4.
Footage shows customer fleeing
The footage shows a man wearing flip flops strolling casually towards the exit before running up a flight of stairs and into the street. Staff are seen chasing him but give up as he disappears into the distance.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed it received a report of theft and is investigating.
Owners speak out
Owners Wendy and Ken Chen shared the footage on Instagram with a caption saying: "Today, someone ran away from our restaurant without paying. This isn't just about the money. Small independent businesses are already struggling with rising costs and dealing with people who deliberately run away without paying makes it even harder. Every meal, every member of staff, and every genuine customer matters."
The caption continued: "Our team reacted immediately and tried to catch him, but he disappeared within seconds. We have a very clear CCTV image of the individual, and all the evidence has been passed to the relevant authorities."
Wendy's account
Wendy told the Manchester Evening News: "I went to get some chicken legs for the restaurant and when I came back the staff told me one guy got up and ran out."
She added: "So I went to look at the CCTV. He stayed a very short time. He came in, only had noodles and he sat in a booth, actually looking around the bar, waiting for a moment that he could run. He saw a family go up to pay and he probably thought it was the best moment. A member of staff got up after him to clean the table and then realised he hadn't paid, so they chased him, but as soon as he got up the stairs he was running so fast, he was already off down the road."
Impact on business
Wendy said: "I know it's not a lot of money, but it is hurtful. The effort we put in hoping for everybody to enjoy their meal and then we are being let down."
She noted this was not the first time it had happened. "We opened about three years ago and we've had other guests leave without paying. We are not like a fast food restaurant, we work very hard and it's very competitive. I sacrifice my evenings to be at home with my daughter just to make sure we can do our business."
Safety concerns
Wendy expressed sadness, saying: "It makes me sad, because Manchester is such a special place and most people here are very nice. I've lived in Manchester 26 years now. I came when I was doing university so I decided this was the perfect city. You don't want things like this to ruin that, or the reputation of Manchester."
She added: "We could chase them, but it's not worth the risk. You don't know what's going to happen next time, it could be dangerous. [Staff] did make the effort but he was really fast."
Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers are investigating a report of theft.
