Thief's 'Great Windsor Triathlon' Involves Cycling, Running, and Swimming from Police

A 51-year-old man, identified as Alan Styles, engaged authorities in a pursuit described by police as the "Great Windsor Triathlon" after stealing from a farm shop. The chase involved cycling, running, and swimming attempts to evade capture.

Styles was captured on CCTV stealing food from the Windsor Farm Shop, which was founded by Prince Philip and is owned by the Crown Estate. As he attempted to flee on a bicycle, he was tackled by a shopper and crashed into a metal gate. He then abandoned the bike and fled on foot.

Later, officers spotted Styles near the River Thames. He then removed his shirt and jumped into the water, prompting Thames Valley Police to flag down a passing boat to pursue him. Despite the boat chase, Styles managed to cross the river again.

Land-based officers recovered the abandoned bicycle and pursued Styles as he reached the riverbank. A police dog ran alongside the officers during the pursuit. According to police, the dog handler was pulled along on the suspect's bike in a "husky and sledge style" manner, eliminating the need for the handler to pedal.

Styles was eventually apprehended after a foot chase, during which he was warned that the dog would harm him if he continued to flee. Upon his arrest, Styles reportedly asked if the dog had been on the bicycle and if it had enjoyed its swim.

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 two days later and to outraging public decency in Eton on September 30. Additional charges included theft from Marks & Spencer in Windsor on September 8 and an assault in Windsor on August 13.

At Reading magistrates' court on October 19, Styles received an 18-month community order for his offenses.