From dropping plucked-out hair into dishes to emergency nappy changes, suspected 'dine and dash' incidents at restaurants and pubs are becoming more elaborate and sophisticated as police struggle to solve the crimes. Police chiefs describe these damaging offences as 'largely opportunistic', but an analysis of thousands of logged reports across the country reveals the extent of planning and brazen attitudes of alleged offenders.
Almost all offenders appear to get away with it. Just 3 per cent of 2,137 reported cases of 'making off without payment' at pubs and restaurants over the past two years have led to charges, according to data from 22 police forces in England and Wales. This has forced restaurant bosses to take action, with some requiring pre-payment for meals to protect themselves in a difficult climate of rising food prices, rates, and employment costs.
Planting Hair in Food
'My mouth dropped, it was absolutely unbelievable,' said Jez Hives, manager at The Dial Restaurant, after reviewing CCTV footage of a customer claiming hair was in his food before walking out with a suspected accomplice without paying a £165 bill for steaks and cocktails. 'I watched it and I saw him pick hair from his head three times, sprinkling it in his food as he went along, before taking his food up to complain. I thought, how could he have done that? It really took me and the staff back to see the length people will go to get free food.'
Mr Hives said the incident, still under investigation by Staffordshire Police, had also taken a toll on his workers. 'It's the young staff here; they feel responsible and guilty for someone else stealing food. It's the impact on them I worry about more than the cost,' he said.
Changing a Baby's Nappy
In Cleveland, one report described two men and two women with a baby ordering food and drink totalling £133 at a restaurant. The two women walked outside to change the baby's nappy, followed by the two men, and all left in a car without paying. The investigation was closed without any suspect identified.
In Staffordshire, CCTV allegedly captured a member of a group of four diners putting Rizla cigarette rolling paper in their food before complaining and refusing to pay. Logs show many suspected 'dine and dashers' use similar tactics with fingernails, plastic, and even glass.
In many cases, suspected offenders flee after going outside for a vape or cigarette. Some claim they are going to their vehicle to get cash after their card was declined or lost. Others refuse outright to pay and brazenly walk out.
In West Mercia, police recorded a couple walking into a pub and ordering 'the most expensive dishes' before running out of the front door without paying their £230 tab. The case was closed after no suspects were identified.
Being Sick on the Table
In West Yorkshire, a large family ran up a big food bill before one woman 'puts her fingers down her throat and is sick on the table and outside'. The family then left, according to a reported case closed after no suspect was identified.
Sometimes money is given but only covers part of the bill. In Ellesmere, Cheshire, a family allegedly ran up a £100.70 bill at TGI Friday before paying 70p on a card and fleeing without paying the rest. Some offenders not only target the business but also the staff.
Swearing at Staff
In Norfolk, a man allegedly stood up halfway through his meal and shouted '[this] is not Thai, it's f****** Chinese'. He then warned the boss he would leave a bad review before failing to remember his PIN when paying, then walked out without paying. The case was closed without a suspect identified.
At Relentless Steak and Lobster House in Portsmouth, owner Scott Matthews told The Independent he had to introduce pre-pay for drinks and starters after being stung by costly thefts. But even then, he said he was still targeted. In January, two men allegedly paid for £130 worth of food, then ordered several more rounds of cocktails, oysters, and scallops—adding up to another £170—and walked out.
'I've seen it all,' said Mr Matthews. 'From those running away to having a vape outside to those leaving a £17 Primark jacket on the chair to make out they haven't gone. It's truly shocking because this isn't a victimless crime. There are staff here it impacts, and a business to run. We tell the police, but even when we hand over CCTV, we don't think they will get caught. It's down to us to try to protect our business, our staff.'
Catching those responsible is a problem laid bare by police figures obtained through a freedom of information request. Of the 2,137 reported offences, no suspect was identified in 1,320 cases. In 201 cases, a suspect was named, but due to reasons such as the victim not supporting prosecution, the case was dropped. In just 65 cases (3 per cent), a person was charged, while in 45, a community resolution was served.
Those caught include Bernard and Ann McDonagh, who were jailed for a string of 'dine and dash' offences at restaurants in South Wales after racking up bills totalling more than £1,100. The judge said the couple's use of children to wait in restaurants, who would then run off while pretending to go to a cashpoint, was 'ruthlessly exploitative'.
Trade body UKHospitality claimed a third of operators had suffered a 'dine and dash' incident, with almost half reporting the situation worsening. Chair Kate Nicholls said: 'Customers leaving without paying is completely unacceptable and places further strain on hospitality businesses already operating under significant pressure. This is not a victimless crime – it directly impacts businesses and can put staff in difficult and sometimes unsafe situations.'
A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesperson said: 'We know that theft can have a significant impact on individuals, businesses and communities, which is why policing is committed to tackling all forms of this criminality. Dine and dash type offences are largely opportunistic in nature, and we would encourage all business owners and staff to make sure that when they do happen, they are reported so their local force can take action. While policing will always follow all possible lines of enquiry to identify and pursue offenders, any tools like CCTV can greatly assist with this.'
