Restaurant owners have seen all kinds of customer behavior—from dine-and-dashers to people stealing cutlery like it’s a national sport. But what happened at Jardim Rodizio in Altrincham last week has left even the most seasoned restaurateurs in disbelief.
A woman entered the popular Brazilian steakhouse, reportedly just to use the bathroom—but when she left, she wasn’t just freshened up. She was walking out with an entire sink stuffed in her handbag.
The Crime – “To-Go Order” Takes on a Whole New Meaning
The elaborate porcelain pilfering took place on Thursday evening (February 20), when restaurant owner Robert Melman noticed something was missing from the women’s restroom.
🚽 What was taken? The entire hand-washing sink, complete with pipework and fittings.
⏳ Time needed for the crime? Around 11-12 minutes.
👜 Escape method? A handbag that apparently defies the laws of physics.
The Investigation – Sink Thief Unplugged
After staff inspected the damage, Melman did what any good detective would do—checked the CCTV footage.
And there she was:
- Casually strolling into the restaurant with a small, mostly empty handbag.
- Heading straight to the bathroom.
- Emerging nearly 12 minutes later, now carrying what looked like a significantly heavier bag.
The only logical explanation? That bag was now full of sink.
“I’ve had people steal wine, cutlery, even the odd chair,” Melman said, shaking his head. “But a sink? I couldn’t believe it.”
The Logistics – How Do You Steal a Sink?
While stealing a bottle of wine is as simple as slipping it under a coat, stealing a full-sized bathroom sink takes some real effort.
Step 1: Casually enter restaurant like a normal customer.
Step 2: Enter the bathroom and lock the door.
Step 3: Channel your inner plumber and start dismantling the sink.
Step 4: Fit the entire thing into your handbag like a demented Mary Poppins.
Step 5: Walk out, hoping no one notices the faint sound of dripping water.
Honestly, the fact that she pulled it off is almost impressive.
The Reaction – “All We Could Do Was Laugh”
Despite being the victim of possibly the most ridiculous crime in recent restaurant history, Melman took it all in stride.
“It cost me around £150. It’s not terrible. What can you do?” he said.
“All we could do was laugh.”
At this point, the staff aren’t even mad—they’re just confused.
What Happens Next?
Melman has not filed a police report yet, though the footage has left social media in stitches.
Meanwhile, the mystery sink thief remains at large, presumably:
- Trying to install her stolen sink in her home.
- Planning her next bathroom-related heist.
- Auditioning for an Oceans 11-style sequel featuring petty theft.
One thing’s for sure—Jardim Rodizio will definitely be double-checking what customers are carrying out from now on.
And for the rest of us? Let this be a lesson: If your handbag can fit a sink, you’re probably up to no good.