- The Oyster Shack, a family-run restaurant in Bigbury, Devon, reported that a group of six diners left without paying a bill of almost £600 on 25 July.
- The party, comprising three men and three women, ordered several high-value items, including four £66 lobsters and a £120 fruits de mer platter.
- Restaurant owner Kieron Vanstone stated that attempts to contact the group via a booking phone number were unsuccessful, and Devon and Cornwall Police are currently investigating the alleged 'dine and dash' incident.
- The restaurant issued a public warning to other businesses, emphasising the significant financial loss and emotional distress such incidents cause for small independent establishments and their staff.
- This event highlights a growing national trend, with UK Hospitality reporting that a third of operators have experienced 'dine and dash' incidents, and police data indicating only 3 per cent of over 2,100 reported cases resulted in charges over the past two years.
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