In what must rank as one of Britain's most farcical police pursuits, a hopelessly incompetent thief has been apprehended after leading officers on a comically slow 6mph chase through Berkshire villages whilst attempting to make off with a stolen road roller.
The bizarre incident unfolded when Thames Valley Police received reports of a stolen roller from Wargrave Cricket Club. Officers quickly located the distinctive yellow vehicle—but what followed was less Fast and Furious and more Slow and Suspicious.
The Great Roller Robbery
Rather than making a swift escape, the blundering criminal could only manage a snail's pace in the heavy machinery, trundling along public roads at a maximum speed of just six miles per hour. Police vehicles simply followed at a leisurely pace behind the rolling spectacle.
Dramatic footage captured the absurd scene as the ponderous pursuit continued through the tranquil streets, with the stolen roller occupying almost the entire lane as bemused residents looked on.
A Capture Without Drama
With no need for high-speed tactics or dramatic interventions, officers simply waited for the joyrider to eventually bring the vehicle to a stop before moving in to make an arrest.
The entire incident concluded without injury or significant damage, though the thief's reputation for criminal competence undoubtedly suffered irreparable harm.
Thames Valley Police confirmed a 22-year-old man from Twyford has been arrested on suspicion of theft and has since been released on bail until late October.
The cricket club's unusual piece of groundskeeping equipment was safely recovered, ready to return to its proper purpose of maintaining the pitch rather than providing inadequate getaway transportation.
