POLICE are investigating a 'dine and dash' group that fled a castle restaurant without paying a £319 bill - after saying they were going for a cigarette.
Godrevy View restaurant, at Tregenna Castle resort, at Carbis Bay, St Ives say they were targeted by a group of four individuals on Saturday, August 17. After accumulating a £319 bill on food and drink the group left without paying.
Tregenna Castle were able to share CCTV screenshots of the individuals responsible on social media to raise awareness and hopefully prevent similar incidents occurring.
The hotel also recognised two of the individuals as the same people involved in a recent theft at The Cornish Arms in Hayle.
In this incident, on August 4, the group once again 'ran' from the pub when confronted by employees over an unpaid Sunday lunch bill of £107. They escaped the pub and the incident was reported to the police.
Tregenna Castle shared the faces of the group, stating: "Important Notice for Local Businesses: On Saturday evening, four individuals dined at Godrevy View Restaurant at Tregenna Castle Resort, spending £319 on food and drink before leaving without paying. Unfortunately, we now recognise two of these individuals as the same people involved in a recent theft at The Cornish Arms in Hayle.
"The group was seen driving a grey Mercedes - AO21 FZG, which has been confirmed as the same vehicle used in the previous incident at The Cornish Arms.
"We have reported this theft to the police.
"We're sharing this information on social media to alert other local businesses and help prevent similar incidents.
"Please stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police added: "Police are aware of an incident where four individuals left the Tregenna Castle Hotel in St Ives without paying their restaurant bill on Saturday, August 17.
"It was reported the group left the table saying they were going for a cigarette, before getting into a vehicle and leaving the location. Enquiries continue into this matter."
Anyone with any information that may assist investigating officers is asked to contact police on 101 or via the website quoting reference 50240208364.