This is not all that far from the truth. In the states, “smash and grab” in retail is so rampant that the security guard industry is struggling to keep up with the demand. Many larger chain stores have issued policies to just allow it as long as the value is below a set criteria. And many of the smaller chains are just locking everything up or moving to online solutions.Crazy times....a few months ago while getting my haircut in the mall, some fellow received his cut and bolted out the door as soon as he got out of the chair. Instead of paying the hairstylist at the desk, he was making tracks out of the mall. Going forward, if you are not a repeat customer the business requires you to pay upfront.
About a week ago while line at 7/11, a guy got the employee to get him a hotdog from that mini grill that they have going in the 7/11's.
Once the guy was handed his hotdog...instead of paying at the till he just kept going for the door and jumped into his running van. Another customer ran out to get a pic of his getaway van. I laughed as my thought was that was stolen as well. Ha!
So it's everywhere, just not massage establishments. Kinda like watching the collapse of society in real time with all the shenanigans that go on daily.
I’ve heard from my kids that teenagers are now doing this just for shits and giggles because no one is trying to stop them. Look at how the 7-11’s are closing up shop in crime riddled areas in Edmonton.
The fact that we are seeing it in the service industry reflects how the lack of security and enforcement there is in the retail sector. However “dine n dash” has been around since I was a young criminal and still exists. Not all that much different.
Being the only real ramifications to dashing on your bill in the service industry is that at the very least the business may have enough details to ban you from returning or refuse you should you try. However with turnover and complacency, it’s only a matter of time, really.