If you owned a Bugatti Chiron worth several million dollars, you’d probably guard the keys with your life. Well, Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac apparently had a slightly different approach to car security.
Rimac recently revealed that he had a habit of leaving the keys inside his cars, including his Chiron and Rimac Nevera. He considered Croatia safe enough that he never really worried about someone taking them.
Unfortunately, someone decided to put that confidence to the test by stealing his Chiron from a company facility in Croatia. What followed sounds like something straight out of a Hollywood action movie, complete with a Porsche 911 pursuit and police officers tracking the stolen hypercar across international borders.
Rimac shared the extraordinary story on Instagram, explaining how an employee noticed the Chiron speeding away and raised the alarm. After confirming that nobody had permission to take it, the team contacted police and started tracking the car.
Bugatti CEO Gives Chase In A Porsche 911
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Fortunately, the Chiron’s onboard telemetry system allowed Rimac and his colleagues to monitor its location, speed, and fuel level in real time. They quickly discovered that the thief was heading toward Slovenia.
Rather than wait around, Rimac jumped into a Porsche 911 that happened to have a full tank of fuel and set off after his stolen Bugatti. Unfortunately, the thief already had roughly an hour’s head start.
The Chiron eventually crossed into Austria, where its fuel level was getting really low. According to Rimac, the suspect stopped at a gas station, filled roughly half the tank, and apparently drove off without paying.
Police Catch The Thief In Austria
Throughout the chase, Rimac and his colleagues shared live telemetry updates through a group chat with police. An Austrian officer joined the conversation, allowing authorities to follow the Chiron’s movements and eventually intercept it.
The Bugatti was recovered with relatively minor damage, requiring a replacement front bumper. Considering the Chiron’s enormous performance potential, things could definitely have ended far worse.
Perhaps the strangest twist came afterward, when Rimac revealed the suspect claimed he had originally visited the facility looking for a job. Apparently, finding a Bugatti with the keys inside proved too tempting.
One Lesson Learned
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Despite the ordeal, Rimac said he didn’t want to press charges because he felt sorry for the suspect. However, given the value of the stolen car, that doesn’t necessarily mean the man will escape legal consequences.
Unsurprisingly, the Bugatti boss has now reconsidered his relaxed approach to security and says the company will no longer leave keys inside vehicles around its facilities.
As for the thief, stealing a Bugatti might have seemed like an easy win when the keys were already inside, but even one of the world’s fastest cars can’t escape a company that can track your every move.