A 40-year-old woman has been arrested in Leicestershire following an incident at Santonio’s Restaurant on Hartlepool Marina where a group allegedly left without paying their bill.
Incident Details
The event occurred around 3:50 pm on Monday, March 3, when two women and a man, accompanied by a young child, reportedly tried to pay their bill with a card that was declined twice.
According to Cleveland Police, the group then claimed they would withdraw cash from a nearby machine but instead fled the restaurant. An unknown male bystander attempted to intervene, but the trio escaped.
Suspect Descriptions
Police described the male suspect as:
- Appearance: White man with short, dark hair
- Clothing: Green Northface puffer jacket and dark Underarmour tracksuit bottoms
The first female suspect was described as:
- Appearance: White with long, dark hair
- Clothing: Beige body warmer and blue denim leggings
The second female suspect, believed to be younger (around 20), was described as:
- Appearance: Blonde hair
- Clothing: Grey tracksuit
Arrest and Investigation
Following a tip-off, the 40-year-old woman was arrested in Leicestershire, more than 150 miles away from Hartlepool. Police have not disclosed the source of the information.
Investigators believe the suspects are known to each other and suspect the remaining two individuals may also be in the Leicestershire area. Authorities are urging them to come forward.
Appeal for Information
Cleveland Police are asking anyone with information to contact them via:
- Phone: 101
- Reference Number: SE25037383
- Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 or via the secure online form
Impact on Local Business
Incidents like this not only affect revenue but also staff morale, according to local business owners. Santonio’s Restaurant expressed gratitude to the community for their support and encouraged witnesses to share information.
Community Reaction
Local residents have expressed their support for Santonio’s, with many sharing messages on social media. One user wrote, “This is so unfair to the staff who work hard. Hope the police catch them all!”
Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
