Two people arrested after 'restaurant runners left unpaid bills at multiple venues'

Two people have been arrested after a family's alleged dine and dash spree in which it is reported several bills worth hundreds of pounds were unpaid at a number of restaurants.

South Wales Police say the pair, a man and woman, were apprehended after multiple venues complained a party of eight had not paid bills, across areas of the country including Swansea - with accusations of shoplifting also made.

A spokesperson told the Mirror: "A 41-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, both from Sandfields, Port Talbot, have been arrested for fraud (obtaining services dishonestly) and theft offences They are currently in police custody at Swansea Central police station. Our investigation is ongoing."

Newly-opened Bella Ciao, in Port Talbot, was among those who reported allegations of the group leaving a £329 bill with pricey steaks and double deserts. The restaurant shared CCTV which was then viewed by more than 12 million people.

Manager Tyrone Reese said the group "were ordering the most expensive things on the menu, like T-bone steaks and the like" and remarked to his wife: "Something's not right."

The Yard, in Cowbridge; Rover House in Swansea; La Casone in Skewen and La Casona, near Neath also complained.

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The Yard posted on social media saying: "Honestly so gutted and can't believe people can have the heart to do this... The whole thing was very well planned out, they must do it often.

"Just don't understand how people can do this to a hard working, struggling independent business. This is her supposedly going to get us cash out from the cashpoint after her card declined three times."

An employee for La Casona posted on X, formerly Twitter: "On February 23, six people visited our restaurant and left without paying almost £300. All restaurants reported it to the police, will we get any response? Will justice be served? We don't think so..."

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