This story originally appeared on VICE Sports UK.
The Formula 1 driver Jenson Button has been burgled while on holiday in Saint-Tropez, France. Reports suggest that the former world champion — who was with wife Jessica Michibata and other friends at a rented villa — may have been gassed before the robbery took place.
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The Sun newspaper reports that £300,000 worth of valuables were stolen from the couple, including Michibata’s engagement ring. It is also believed that an anaesthetising gas was pumped “through the air conditioning” before the break in, which took place on Monday.
According to The Sun, who quoted ‘a source’ for their story:
“Police have told Jenson they’re convinced the burglars gassed the house using the air conditioning units.
“Jenson is convinced that’s what happened too. The burglars were in the same room as him and Jessica, rifling through all their drawers.
“But they weren’t disturbed at all because the effects of the gas gives the burglars free reign.”
Button’s spokesman added: “Two men broke into the property whilst they all slept and stole a number of items of jewellery including, most upsettingly, Jessica’s engagement ring.
“The police have indicated that this has become a growing problem in the region with perpetrators going so far as to gas their proposed victims through the air conditioning units before breaking in.”
35-year-old Button, who became world champion in 2009, is currently away from F1 duty, with the sport on its four-week summer break.
