Martin AlvisGAZETTE & HERALD: OFF-DUTY cop Martin Alvis gave chase to a getaway thief in Sainsbury's car park after a leisurely shopping trip with his family on Friday.

The quick-thinking officer dived behind the wheel of his Land Rover in hot pursuit with his wife Jill and nine-month old baby strapped in beside him.

The family, from Grittleton, had finished their shopping at Sainsbury's, on Bath Road, Chippenham around 1pm.

They packed it into the car and Mrs Alvis strapped in baby Liberty when her husband spotted the thief running with bags of goods, being chased by the in-store detective.

Acting Sergeant Alvis, 40, said: "I thought they'd never be able to get him on foot so I'd try and catch him in the car. I would've caught him there and then if someone hadn't pulled out in front of me.

"That sort of thing is a real buzz. It's nice to stop people committing a crime at any time."

Twenty-eight-year-old Darren Cunningham, of Chippenham, was arrested and appeared in court on Saturday, when he pleaded guilty to shoplifting.

"Technically we're never off duty," Sgt Alvis said. "After 14 years it's like instinct. I'm always looking and if I see something happening I'll deal with it."

Cunningham jumped over a wall out of Sainsbury's, crossed the road and ran through the bushes.

The officer drove into the Focus car park, cutting of any escape routes from the undergrowth and jumped out of his car. He called the police on his mobile phone and PC Dave Hunt arrested the offender.

Wife Jill, 36, said she had no idea what was going on when her husband sped off round the car park but she didn't fear for her baby's safety.

"He's a safe driver because he's done an advanced training course but he was weaving in and out and all these people were looking on in horror and amazement."

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: "We would like to extend a big thank you on behalf of our customers and colleagues for the brave actions that Sgt Alvis took whilst off duty."

Cunningham was remanded in custody and will appear before court again on February 4.