A young couple suspected of repeatedly dining and dashing are under investigation by police after quick-thinking patrons prevented them from leaving a pub without paying their £62 bill.
EssexLive reports that the pair, recognised by staff and customers, are thought to have swindled local businesses in Southend out of hundreds of pounds.
Over ten taxi drivers in the area also allege that they've been victims of the couple's scam, claiming they've run off without paying their fares.
The duo, identified locally as a former solicitor and an electrician, were confronted at the Castle Inn in Little Wakering, near Southend in Essex.
On Tuesday, April 23, Landlord Ken Todd, 76, said the couple tried to leave without paying the bill for their two starters, two main courses and four drinks before staff and other customers intervened to hold them there before the police arrived.
He added: "The customers blocked the entrance and were checking who was coming in and out. The man tried to leave through the back door of the pub which I had already locked and apparently the woman tried to escape by the bathroom window."
Mr Todd, who has been landlord for the last eight years, said: "A waitress pointed out to me that they were people that had done a runner from other places when they sat down. Maybe I should have gone over to them at that point but we decided to keep an eye on the pair and, sure enough, they tried to leave multiple times by various routes.
The police arrived and took the couple's details but ultimately let them go as the landlord considered it "not worth pursuing for £60".
An Essex Police spokesperson said: "Details were taken from two people at the scene and enquiries are ongoing."
The duo are also suspected of scamming local taxi companies by claiming they don't have any money to pay or promising to return with the payment.
Patrick Pjetri, a driver for the '333444' taxi firm in Southend, was reportedly duped by the couple on February 4 of this year. Mr Pejtri, 44, revealed that he was alerted by his company's office about two individuals who had skipped out on a fare earlier that day, along with a description of the pair.
A couple fitting that description later entered his cab, and he recognised them as the 'dine and dash' culprits.
He recounted: "The man asked to get out the car earlier than the woman and when she asked to get out further down the road, she couldn't offer any payment.
"She offered me a phone charger saying its worth £20 when the fare was £19.20. When I refused, she started screaming and saying 'its false imprisonment' because I said they'd have to leave something behind or wait until they could come up with the cash.
"In the end I had to just let her leave because of her screaming and shouting."
He stated: "It's got to a point now where the police aren't doing anything so it must now be up to the small businesses to take matters into their own hands."
Ruzhdi Bushi, 46, had a similar encounter with the man last year and recognised him from CCTV footage. Mr Bushi revealed that he had picked up the couple on multiple occasions for the same taxi company and reported them to the police after they skipped out on a £20 fare.
He said: "I reported them to the police and they said 'are you willing to go to court? ', I thought 'no, not for the sake for £20'. They said they'd dismiss the case and now I realise the pair have been doing it to everyone - we know of at least ten drivers.
"The officer told me we know who it is and we have his details."
Zeeshan Hayder, another driver for the same taxi firm, has also been victim to the man's antics twice when he ran off without paying on both occasions. In his 18 years as a cab driver, Mr Hayder says this is the worst case of fare evasion he's encountered.
Mr Hayder, 39, said: "I've called the police and they say it's a civil matter but those two are taking advantage of that. They know people won't want to waste their time and money going to court for £10."
The woman in the pair is believed to be a former lawyer struck off after being previously convicted of failing to pay a £60.91 at a Harvester restaurant.
The man is believed to be an electrician whose former employer accused him of stealing £7,000 worth of equipment.
Source: https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/dine-dash-couple-who-fled-9251515
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