Apple to the rescue: Stolen Ferrari tracked and recovered using AirPods in US

Local residents expressed relief following the arrests. (Image: Waterbury Police Department/Facebook)

A Ferrari, valued at approximately $575,000 (Rs 4.81 crore approximately), was recovered in Waterbury, Connecticut, after being reported stolen from Greenwich. The luxury vehicle, taken on September 16, was located thanks to a pair of AirPods left inside by its owner. The earbuds enabled police to track the car to a gas station on South Main Street in Waterbury.

Waterbury Police, in conjunction with the Auto Theft Task Force, attempted to apprehend the vehicle after tracing it through the AirPods. However, the driver fled the scene. Authorities later identified 22-year-old Dion Schontten as one of the individuals involved. Schontten was arrested following the discovery of another stolen vehicle, a 2023 Acura, which had been reported missing from New York.

Keon Webster, 19, was also arrested in connection with the Ferrari theft. Police investigations revealed that both Schontten and Webster had been alternating as drivers of the stolen car. Schontten faced multiple charges, including motor vehicle theft, while Webster, who had a more extensive criminal record, was charged with his seventh motor vehicle theft offence.

Following their arrests, Schontten was initially held on a $300,000 bond, later reduced to $150,000 at his court arraignment. Webster, known for his history of auto theft and other violent crimes, was held on a $1,000,000 bond, which was subsequently lowered to $300,000.

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo addressed Webster’s extensive criminal background, stating, “Keon Webster is somebody we are very, very familiar with. As an adult, he has seven pending charges that are related to auto theft and other violent crimes.”

The department confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine whether Schontten and Webster were involved in other vehicle thefts. The Waterbury Police Department expressed their commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable. “WPD continues to actively investigate motor vehicle thefts and hold individuals accountable for their actions. The arrest of Schontten and Webster, both with extensive criminal histories, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that repeat offenders are held accountable so they do not continue to victimise our community,” the department said.

Local residents expressed relief following the arrests. Robert Stanziano, a Waterbury resident, remarked, “I drive something I don't think anybody wants to steal, hopefully. But I worry for other people.”

Chief Spagnolo also reminded the public to remain vigilant, emphasising, “We just don't live in that day and age anymore where we can leave our cars running to warm up or our cars running while we run into the store. Take care of your property. Just be mindful that if you don't, somebody else will.”