THIS is the moment a brazen dine and dash couple allegedly flee a fish and chip shop without paying for their family’s bill.
A family-of-four left The London Fryer fish restaurant in Paignton, , after tucking into £45 worth of food last month.
This is the moment a brazen dine and dash couple walk out of a restaurant without paying Credit: BNPS
The mother, in the yellow dress, tries to hide her face from the CCTV camera and urges her daughter to do the same Credit: BNPS
The shameless couple were nearly caught out by their unsuspecting after their young son almost drew attention by tripping on a step on the way out.
His father put on a pair of sunglasses while passing a video camera while the mother hid her face from CCTV and tried to get her daughter to do the same.
They managed to escape the family-run without paying their bill after eating two cod dinners and two kids meals.
When staff realised what had happened the manager immediately went outside to look for the but they had already vanished.
The father and son were also pictured leaving with the dad donning sunglasses as he walked past the camera Credit: BNPS
The family-of-four fled The London Fryer in Devon after tucking into £45 worth of food Credit: Google Maps
Thinking it may have been an honest mistake, the owner put out an appeal on urging for the customers to get in touch and settle their .
But after nothing happened they shared images of the family in a bid to warn other restaurants of the so-called dine and dashers.
Katy Abbott, manager of the The London Fryer, said: “Perhaps most disappointing of all is the example it sets for young children.
“You simply would not expect a family to leave without paying, let alone involve children in the situation.”
The incident took place on the evening of Sunday May 24.
The couple – a heavy-set man with tattoos on his arms and legs and a woman wearing a yellow dress – walked in with the two children who appeared to be aged between 10 and 13.
Ms Abbott said: “Our waitress who served the family believed they were simply enjoying a meal out together after the warm sunny day.
“But while the waitress was attending another table, the woman left the premises with the young girl.
“At the time, staff believed the man remained inside to settle the bill, as he and the young boy were still seated at the table.
“However, when staff were momentarily occupied, the man also left the café with the boy without making payment.
“Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, there also appears to be a moment where the woman gestures for the young girl to hide her face while passing the external cameras.
“We posted an online notice and allowed several days for the family to come forward or contact us, however we have received no response.
“After giving ample opportunity for contact and resolution, we may now have no choice but to report the matter further.”
Ms Abbott spoke about the impact the incident has had on her staff and .
She said: “As a family-run business we care deeply about our customers and place a great deal of trust in our local community.
“Incidents like this are particularly upsetting, not only financially but emotionally too.
“Hospitality businesses are already facing incredibly difficult times, and for small independent family businesses, the pressures can be even greater.
“Balancing rising costs, supporting staff, paying bills and still trying to keep prices affordable for customers is an ongoing challenge.
“This incident has also led us to reconsider certain procedures within the business, particularly during busy periods, and we have now introduced additional measures to help prevent situations like this from happening again.”
The Sun has contacted Devon and Cornwall Police for comment.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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