Bungling Cheltenham burglar gets stuck in shop door during escape

A local shop owner has shared CCTV footage of a "bungling burglar" who managed to get himself physically stuck in a door while trying to make a quick getaway from a store in Cheltenham.

Clumsy Escape Caught on Camera

The attempted robbery occurred in the early hours of Sunday, March 29, 2026. CCTV cameras inside the business captured the suspect making a highly ungraceful entry after breaking a panel in the door. However, the situation turned comical when the intruder attempted to squeeze back out through the same tight space with stolen merchandise. The footage shows the man struggling and becoming completely jammed in the door frame, wriggling for several minutes before finally managing to free himself and run off.

Investigation and Identification

While the suspect did eventually escape, his struggle left behind valuable forensic evidence. Gloucestershire Constabulary officers confirmed they are analyzing the scene and the CCTV footage, which provides a clear view of the offender's face during his struggle. Local shopkeepers have shared the footage online, warning others to review their security and double-check entry points to prevent similar incidents.