'Dine and dash' couple use handbag trick to 'skip £80 restaurant bill'

Police are investigating the 'dine and dash' couple. (Image: SWNS)

Police are investigating a 'dine and dash' couple accused of skipping an £80 restaurant bill - using a 'handbag trick'.

The team at La Dolce Vita in East Kilbride, Scotland have shared CCTV footage of the pair who they say left without paying.

CCTV show the man and woman outside smoking a cigarette before walking off separately on Sunday, October 20.

According to the eatery, the couple had racked up a £80 tab at the Italian restaurant - including two starters, three mains and two desserts before “nipping out for a cigarette" and running off without paying.

Restaurant bosses said the woman left a handbag in an attempt to trick staff into thinking they would return.

Restaurant bosses said the woman left a handbag in an attempt to trick staff. (Image: SWNS)

The black bag was left ditched in their booth - but staff later discovered it was completely empty.

A restaurant spokesperson said they were "angry and annoyed" with the situation.

Police Scotland said: “Around 5.45pm on Sunday, October 20, police received a report of a theft from a premises in the Main Street area of East Kilbride.

"Enquiries into the circumstances are at an early stage.”