Durham Constabulary has released CCTV footage of a burglar repeatedly falling from the ceiling of a filling-station shop – first when he enters the site via the roof, then again and again as he attempted to exit via the same route.
Andrew Pickering, 50, of Stanley, County Durham, broke into the forecourt in Ouston, Chester-le-Street, on October 21, having gained access to the roof before climbing down into the shop via its ceiling.
His entrance into the store was marked by him dropping onto the floor and, having dusted himself of, Pickering can be seen damaging the till draw and cigarette cabinet as he attempts to gain entry to them.
The thief caused an estimated £3,219 worth of loss and damages during his exploits, and then attempted to leave the site via a ladder propped up to provide access to the hole in the ceiling he entered via.
This endeavour would result in four painful-looking falls, however, as the ladder repeatedly slipped from beneath his feet, with stolen goods scattering from Pickering’s pockets in the process.
Having exhausted his patience for this mode of exit, he re-entered the shop, falling over the counter as he climbed over it, before managing to exit via a side door.
Pickering and an accomplice, named by police as Daniel Ray, then came back into the shop via the side door, stealing more goods before finally leaving the premises.
Forensics officers found Pickering’s blood on the shop floor, while police subsequently located the Ford Focus used in the robbery, which contained multiple products from the store. Pickering was later apprehended by officers.
Pickering was sentenced to 12 months in prison, while Ray was issued a community order requiring alcohol treatment.
