A Clayton-le-Moors takeaway has reported a customer to police after they refused to pay for their food but kept the entire order.
Fortune Kitchen in Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, said the incident involved a £43 delivery and was reported on Sunday, September 13.
They said the customer took the food and closed the door without paying and claimed the food was cold.
Owner Lihong Chen said: "Unfortunately, we had a very disappointing situation with a £43 delivery order tonight.
"We have reported this to the police.
"When our driver arrived, the customer took the food and closed the door, leaving our driver outside for five to seven minutes without any response.
"[When I phoned them] they said the food was cold.
"We were willing to listen to the complaint, but the customer refused to pay and also refused to return the food, while keeping the entire order.
"We completely understand that genuine problems can sometimes happen with deliveries, and we are always happy to listen and resolve genuine complaints fairly.
"However, we cannot accept a situation where food is kept, but payment is refused."
Fortune Kitchen said the order was freshly cooked before the driver left and arrived within the time frame advised to the customer.
Lihong said the takeaway values its customers and wants to resolve any real issues that arise.
Lihong said: "Our drivers work hard, and our small business works hard every day to prepare fresh food and provide a good service to our customers.
"The details of this incident have been recorded and kept.
"Please understand that if there is a genuine problem with your order, please contact us, and we will do our best to help. But refusing payment while keeping the food is not acceptable.
"Thank you to all our honest and loyal customers for continuing to support our small business."
Customers flocked to support the business.
"How sad this has happened to you," one person said. "You guys work extremely hard, as do the driver and the girls serving.
" I hope you get this sorted and get the money somehow for the order. Do not let it dishearten you; you have many amazing and loyal customers. I hope the police do something too."
Another said: "I have ordered for delivery a good few times now and the food has ALWAYS been very fresh and hot on arrival.
"Never had any issues and if I had, I would call the store immediately to rectify the situation. Such a shame some folk take advantage in situations like these."
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"Disgusting behaviour. This is a fantastic local business who needs people's support," said another.
Another said: "So unfair to small businesses; your food is very good, never had a problem. Hopefully the police take it seriously, and you get your money."
A spokesperson for Report Fraud said: “Report Fraud can confirm that it received RF26090409293C on 12 September 2026. It was assessed by the Report Fraud Analysis Service at the City of London Police but has not been passed to a police force for investigation at this time.
“Over 850,000 reports are made every year. These reports are assessed against several criteria, unfortunately not every case will be sent to law enforcement for investigative opportunities. There are different ways a report can be dealt with when it isn’t passed to a police force. These include the Report Fraud Victim
"Services supporting victims of cyber crime and fraud with specialist advice and helping victims to recover losses. Every report helps the police develop an accurate intelligence picture and take disruptive activity like working to take down websites, telephone numbers and email addresses linked to fraud, preventing others from becoming victims.”
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