Moment farm shop thief takes police on the ‘Great Windsor Triathlon’ by cycling, running and swimming away from officers

Alan Styles, 51, was caught after stealing food from a Windsor farm shop and leading police on a chase involving bicycles, running and swimming in the Thames. The unusual pursuit ended with Styles’ arrest, and he later admitted several offences.

Styles was caught on CCTV leaving the shop with a basket of goods on 24 September, then crashing his getaway bicycle into a gate. When police spotted him by the river, he swam away and officers used a passing boat to follow; a police dog handler later rode the abandoned bicycle while the dog ran alongside. Styles also admitted stealing a bicycle in Eton, stealing from Marks & Spencer in Windsor and two other offences. On 19 October, he received an 18-month community order.