Police are hunting a family of eight who allegedly enjoyed a lavish £329 meal at a popular restaurant before executing a brazen 'dine and dash' escape. The incident occurred at MyLahore on Monday night, leaving staff furious and out of pocket.
The group, consisting of two men, two women, and four children, spent nearly two hours dining at the Bolton establishment before allegedly making off without settling their substantial bill. Restaurant management released CCTV images of the suspects in hopes the public can help identify them.
The Great British Dine and Dash Epidemic
This incident is part of a growing trend of 'dine and dash' incidents plaguing restaurants across the UK. Establishments are reporting increasing numbers of customers who enjoy meals and then disappear without payment, costing the hospitality industry thousands of pounds.
MyLahore's general manager expressed frustration at the calculated nature of the offence. "They were here for almost two hours, enjoyed their meals, and then just walked out," he told reporters. "It's not just the financial loss - it's the principle."
CCTV Footage Released
Greater Manchester Police have released clear CCTV images showing the entire family group. The footage shows two men in distinctive clothing, including one wearing a bright yellow jacket, along with two women and four children of varying ages.
Restaurant staff have appealed to the public for help identifying the family, while police continue their investigation into what appears to be a premeditated act of fraud.
Industry Impact and Response
The hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard by such incidents post-pandemic. Many restaurants are now implementing stricter payment policies, including requesting payment before service for large groups or introducing prepayment systems.
MyLahore management confirmed they are reviewing their procedures to prevent future occurrences, but emphasized that such measures shouldn't be necessary for honest customers.
Anyone with information about the family or the incident is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police quoting reference number 1223 of 05/03/2024.
