Police are searching for a couple who allegedly ran out on a £500 steak bill in what is becoming an increasingly common crime in Britain. The incident, which occurred at a restaurant in Port Talbot, south Wales, is part of a worrying trend that has left many restaurant owners feeling betrayed and out of pocket.
According to a recent survey, one in 20 people have walked out of a restaurant without paying. The cost of living crisis has been blamed for a rise in such offences, with shoplifting in England and Wales at a 20-year high. However, Donna Jones, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, believes these are not typical thieves, as they often drive away in their own cars.
Restaurant owners like Aldo Esposito, who runs La Bella Vista in East Sussex, have been hit multiple times. He described three incidents in three months, including a group that claimed a food allergy to avoid paying a £200 bill, a large party that allegedly planted an object in their food to get a free meal, and three women who ran off without paying a £300 drinks tab. In each case, police were unable to help, citing it as a civil matter.
The problem is serious for businesses operating on thin profit margins of less than 4%, according to Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality. She noted that the cashflow impact cannot be reclaimed through insurance. The McDonaghs, who were jailed for similar offences, had ordered T-bone steaks and double desserts as part of their scam.
Police have urged businesses to contact them whenever these offences occur and to present any evidence. However, they caution against publicly sharing images of suspected offenders, as it could lead to legal repercussions if the person is innocent.
