Couple Caught on Camera Planting Glass in Food to Avoid Restaurant Bill

​​A couple dining at San Marino, an Italian restaurant in Widnes, Cheshire, on Saturday, April 5, allegedly tried to scam the establishment by faking a food contamination incident. They claimed to have found a piece of glass in their pasta, with the woman saying it nearly damaged her costly veneers. They refused to pay their £64.85 bill and demanded compensation. However, when restaurant staff reviewed security footage, they were stunned to see the man secretly take a piece of glass from his pocket and hand it to the woman, who then placed it on a napkin. She covered it with food before calling a staff member over to claim the glass was in her meal.

A couple dining at San Marino, an Italian restaurant in Widnes, Cheshire, on Saturday, April 5, allegedly tried to scam the establishment by faking a food contamination incident. They claimed to have found a piece of glass in their pasta, with the woman saying it nearly damaged her costly veneers. They refused to pay their £64.85 bill and demanded compensation. However, when restaurant staff reviewed security footage, they were stunned to see the man secretly take a piece of glass from his pocket and hand it to the woman, who then placed it on a napkin. She covered it with food before calling a staff member over to claim the glass was in her meal.

The restaurant shared the CCTV clip on Facebook, warning that such scams harm honest, small businesses. The footage has since gone viral with over 115,000 views.

Managing Director Miraz Yolcu said the matter has been reported to Cheshire Police, who are now investigating. He believes the couple may be experienced scammers, noting that the woman appeared to be checking the restaurant for surveillance cameras during their visit.

Miraz recounted how the couple, along with a child, arrived without a reservation and were warmly welcomed. Everything seemed normal until near the end of the meal when the woman claimed the glass had been in her mouth. The staff were initially alarmed, but the manager found the claim suspicious and noted the type of glass didn’t match anything used in the kitchen.

​Upon checking the video footage, the truth became clear. The couple left without paying, though no compensation was given.

The bill included items like Penne San Marino pasta, lamb shish kebab, garlic bread, Caesar salad, and drinks. Miraz emphasized how damaging false claims like these can be to a restaurant's reputation and staff morale. He urged other businesses to stay calm, review CCTV footage, and involve the police if needed.
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Cheshire Police confirmed they received a report at 1am on April 6 about a suspected scam at the restaurant. Initial investigations suggest the glass may have been planted by the customers, and inquiries are ongoing.