Moment farm shop thief takes police on the 'Great Windsor Triathlon' by cycling, running and swimming away from officers
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A farm shop thief took police on the 'Great Windsor Triathlon' by cycling, running and swimming away from officers – before eventually being caught.
Alan Styles, 51, was caught on CCTV stealing food from a farm shop and then riding his getaway bike into a metal gate.
Officers dubbed the chase a triathlon because Styles forced police to cycle, run and cross water after him.
Styles brazenly walked out of the Windsor Farm Shop, founded by Prince Philip and owned by the Crown Estate, with a basket-full of goods in September.
He tried to make an exit on a bicycle but was tackled by a shopper before crashing head first into a black gate. Styles then walked away wheeling his bike.
When officers later spotted him by the Thames, Styles stripped off his top and jumped into the water to evade arrest.
Thames Valley Police then flagged down a passing boat to chase him through the river.
But Styles managed to escape the now river-faring officers by crossing the water again.
Alan Styles, 51, was caught on CCTV stealing food from a farm shop and then riding his getaway bike into a metal gate
Alan Styles attempted to take police on the 'Great Windsor Triathlon' by cycling, running and swimming away from officers after stealing from a farm shop
The dog handler was pulled along on the suspect's bike ‘husky and sledge style’ with no pedalling required, police said
After stealing a basket full of food from the farm shop Styles tried to make an exit on a bicycle but was tackled by a shopper before crashing head first into a black gate
Not to be outdone, land-based police picked up the bicycle Styles had earlier dropped and cycled after the suspect when he made it to the river bank.
A police dog ran alongside the bike as it chased after the food thief. The dog handler was pulled along on the suspect's bike ‘husky and sledge style’ with no pedalling required, police said.
Styles was eventually caught after being chased on foot and being told that the canine would 'hurt' him if he tried to run any further.
After being arrested, Styles asked in bemusement if the 'dog was on the bike'.
He then asked the dog: 'Did you enjoy your swim?'
Styles admitted one count of theft for stealing food from the farm shop in Windsor on September 24.
He also admitted stealing a bike in Eton Court in Eton two days later, and to outraging public decency in Meadow Lane, Eton, on September 30.
He also admitted stealing from Marks & Spencer in Windsor on September 8 and an assault in The Brocas, also in the same town, on August 13.
Styles was given an 18-month community order at Reading magistrates' court on October 19.
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