Thief Leads Police on Unusual 'Triathlon' Chase
A man stole from a farm shop and attempted to evade authorities by cycling, running, and swimming.
Alan Styles, 51, embarked on an unusual escape attempt after stealing food from a farm shop, leading police on a chase that officers dubbed the 'Great Windsor Triathlon.' The incident began in September when Styles was caught on CCTV taking items from the Windsor Farm Shop. His initial attempt to flee on a bicycle was thwarted when he crashed into a metal gate.
When officers later located Styles near the Thames River, he stripped off his shirt and jumped into the water to evade capture. Thames Valley Police then intercepted a passing boat to pursue him along the river. Styles managed to escape the boat pursuit by crossing the water again. Meanwhile, officers on land retrieved the bicycle Styles had abandoned and cycled after him as he reached the riverbank. A police dog accompanied the pursuit, running alongside the bicycle. The dog handler was reportedly pulled along on the suspect's bike in a manner described as 'husky and sledge style.'
Styles was ultimately apprehended after a foot chase. When arrested, he inquired if the dog had been on the bike and asked the canine if it had enjoyed its swim.
At Reading magistrates' court on October 19, Styles pleaded guilty to one count of theft for the farm shop incident on September 24. He also admitted to stealing a bicycle in Eton Court on September 26 and outraging public decency in Eton on September 30. Additional guilty pleas included theft from Marks & Spencer in Windsor on September 8 and an assault in Windsor on August 13.
Styles received an 18-month community order for the offenses.