Dine-and-dash thefts are leaving staff feeling “helpless”, a restaurant manager has said.
Emma Sadofsky, of The Brazilian Churrascaria, on Hull Marina, said a group of five diners failed to pay a £160 bill after “running away” on 10 September.
Nearby restaurants have also reported problems. Liam Harm, a supervisor at The Smoke Room, in Humber Street, said he had known families to sit outside before waiting for a “quiet moment” to leave without paying.
UK Hospitality, the industry body, said a third of restaurants had reported dine and dash incidents over the past year. Humberside Police said it was investigating a report of theft at Sadofsky’s restaurant.
Sadofsky said the incident was “really disappointing”.
“I think people feel like they’re entitled to do what they want without any sort of thought to staff, paying wages, food costs and everything else.
“It’s a real challenge for us as a industry to keep our head above water without people stealing from us.”