Travellers accused of mass 'dine and dash' at popular restaurant

A large group of Travellers have been accused of leaving an independent restaurant in Devon without paying the bill - leaving its owner in complete shock. The mass 'dine and dash' took place at Tamarind Bay in Exeter's Fore Street on Tuesday evening, April 23.

A party of around 20 adults and children are said to have arrived outside the venue in separate vehicles, including vans and a Landrover, at around 7pm, and clocked up a bill amounting to more than £300 in food and drinks.

One family-of-three, which included a baby, paid their bill of £52, but the others in the party didn't, leaving the restaurant £270 out of pocket during a month which has been described as their quietest of the year so far, reports DevonLive.

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Manager Saiful Rahman has reported the incident to the police and shared details of some of the vehicles, including number plates. He has also shared details with DevonLive and on social media to raise awareness and prevent other businesses from being targeted.

Saiful said: "We have never experienced a mass exodus. It was actually shocking.

"I have experience with Travellers and I could tell they were from their vehicles, their accents, the way they spoke and how they acted. We served them because we don't discriminate. We didn't ask for upfront payment as from experience this would have caused a fuss with them saying we are discriminating against them when other groups of people aren't asked to."

The party took over five tables within the restaurant that had not been booked. After all the food had come out, a family of four within the party left saying they were going across the road to buy a birthday cake as the restaurant did not serve any.

While a family of three in the group paid in cash for their meal, all the others are said to have suddenly left. Despite Saiful following them outside and asking them to pay as they went into their vehicles, he said they drove off.

Saiful said: "I couldn't believe the sheer audacity. It seemed very well constructed and we then had to clean up the mess they had left behind. We worked hard to serve them, they left, drove off, lied, and they had children who most likely will copy their behaviour.

"I called the police on 999 who asked whether the people had left the building. I said yes and was advised to call 101 as it was classed as a non-emergency.

"After an hour and 10 minutes, we managed to get through and explain the situation. The police took some information and advised they would be in touch.

"What happened is a big deal because bars, restaurants and cafes are struggling so I do want some justice. All I want is for everyone to be alert, safe and to not feel powerless. I'm not tarring all Travellers with the same brush as there are hard-working Travellers who are honest.

"The people who committed this crime are aware of the post as one of them rang last night and tried to get me to take it down but I refused. He said his vehicle had been pictured in the post and said he was the one that paid and he wasn't part of the group, but they all came together.

"We have had multiple messages from people saying the vehicles we shared photographs of on our Facebook page have been seen at Cowick Barton Playing Fields where travellers have set up. The messages of support we have received have gone a long way to help us feel much better."

Yesterday, April 24, DevonLive reported travellers were refusing to move off the playing fields in Exeter despite being served with an eviction order to leave the site owned by Exeter City Council by Monday, April 22.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police are aware of an incident where is it alleged that a group of people left Tamarind Bay restaurant, Exeter, without paying their bill on the evening of Tuesday, April 23.

"Enquiries continue into this matter. Anyone with any information that could assist the police is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 50240097061."