...for their meal - and apparently it is becoming more common in Britain.' Guardian: 'Some people may think they are able to justify their actions morally. "It may be reasoning that restaurants make so much profit that they won't miss a few pounds, or: 'They charge too much anyway, they're ripping me off, I'm just reciprocating,'" he says. Others, says Beattie, may put the emphasis on those they are close to: "'OK, the waiter might get into a bit of trouble, but hey, I'm treating my family.'" Or they may view it as a minor indiscretion in the scheme of things: "Hey, you think this is bad? Look at politicians! They're always cheating and stealing! This is nothing in comparison."'

Related: * In a plot twist - the psychology professor interviewed in the Guardian admits to previously being in a 'dine and dash'. * BBC: Dine-and-dash couple jailed and fined. * Law Society Gazette: 'Dine and dash' solicitor struck off. * BBC: Restaurant to charge upfront due to 'dine and dash'. * Yahoo News UK: Rise in 'dine and dash' customers blamed on police 'not taking action'. * BBC: Dine and dash hitting business hard - restaurateur.