Cafe workers were left stunned when a group of four patrons allegedly dined and dashed, leaving behind a $150 bill, and then returned to retrieve a forgotten phone, only to depart again without settling the payment.
The incident occurred on August 24 at an inner Melbourne cafe, where the group ordered five meals. According to a cafe worker, one diner was reportedly rude and repeatedly called out to staff. After the food was served, the entire group allegedly left without paying.
Staff discovered one patron had left a phone behind and kept it in the hope the group would return to pay. Later that day, around 3:30 p.m., two individuals, a man and a woman, returned to the cafe.
CCTV footage showed the man waiting outside while the woman entered the cafe to ask for her phone. A confrontation ensued when the woman stated she couldn't pay without her phone. She then allegedly snatched the device from behind the counter when staff looked away.
As the pair attempted to leave, a worker pursued them, confronting the man about the unpaid bill. Another worker filmed the interaction. The man pulled his arm free, and the pair fled the cafe again, leaving the bill outstanding.
The cafe has since posted flyers featuring images of the man and woman, warning other local businesses and customers. The cafe worker described the event as a brazen, possibly planned, theft and expressed concern about the unpaid amount. Victoria Police have been contacted for comment.