Southend: Detective's tussle with thief... days after 11th marathon of 2025

A marathon-mad detective was relieved to see backup arrive after a 12-minute tussle with a prolific shoplifter – just days after completing his eleventh marathon of the year.

DS Dan Thrale, who has served with Essex Police for 20 years, works as a detective with Southend CID.

Back in December last year, Dan stopped off at a shop in Southend to grab a meal deal before starting a night shift.

Like all officers, he knows he is never truly off duty.

As he entered the store, Dan noticed a man acting suspiciously outside.

Moments later, as he headed towards the till to pay, he saw the same man make a beeline for the exit carrying boxes of beer.

Dan intervened immediately.

He said:

“I arrested him, but it turned into a bit of a struggle, with him fighting to get away for about 12 minutes before a unit could get to me.
“I’m no stranger to endurance challenges, but I was absolutely shattered by the end of it and so relieved to see the unit arrive.”

Local policing officers quickly took over and placed the suspect in handcuffs.

Jake Brookes, 35, of Oakleigh Avenue, Southend, was later charged with theft from a shop and obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty.

He admitted both offences and was sentenced last month.

Dan’s comment that he is “no stranger to endurance challenges” could be seen as something of an understatement.

Just two days before the arrest, he had completed his eleventh marathon of the year – later going on to achieve his goal of running a dozen marathons across 2025.

His appetite for physical challenges began in 2023, when he set himself a gruelling series of fitness tests in honour of his father, Patrick.

Patrick Thrale suffered a major ischaemic stroke in February 2022, and Dan undertook the challenges to raise money for the Stroke Association.

The charity funds vital medical research and supports stroke survivors to live the best life possible.

Across 2023, father of two Dan completed an extraordinary programme of challenges.

These included completing an Ironman, abstaining from alcohol for a year, a 33 mile ‘Roots Run’ between his father’s childhood homes, a tennis ‘marathon’ of 26 sets, and giving back to the community by volunteering with Havens Hospices – something he continues to do.

Dan joined Essex Police in December 2006, working initially as a response officer before progressing through a number of roles including custody sergeant and local policing response sergeant.

He later moved into detective work within the Domestic Abuse Investigation Team and began his current role in Southend CID in November 2023, where he investigates a wide range of offences.

Speaking about the incident, Dan added: 

“There's often a lot said about retail safety and shop theft, but the simple reality for us is that there is no such thing as ‘low-level’ offending. Every incident has an impact – on businesses, on staff, and on the wider community.
“Detectives don’t just work behind a desk. If we see a crime happening, whether we’re on duty or off duty, we will act to stop it and protect people.
“Shop theft is a growing challenge nationally, and it’s something we take very seriously here in Essex. We have dedicated officers focused on tackling repeat offenders and supporting businesses, and we will continue to pursue those who think they can commit these crimes without consequences.
“But just as important is the role of the public and local businesses. We would always encourage incidents to be reported to us. Even when it may seem minor, that information helps us build a bigger picture, identify repeat offenders, and take action.
“Ultimately, this is about protecting people who come to work to do their jobs and keeping our communities safe. We know how important that is to the public, and we are committed to doing everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

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