12 homologation runflat tyres stolen from Pirelli

Milan, Italy - Twelve Pirelli-brand runflat V-rated tyres destined for homologation testing with a vehicle manufacturer have been stolen. The tyres - all 225/50R17 94V PZero Nero runflats - were made with MIRS technology at Pirelli's Burton-on-Trent factory in the UK, and were production samples being transported to a car maker for testing.

Pirelli suspects the tyres were stolen as part of a campaign of industrial espionage, saying, "the value of the tyres stolen, in terms of technological content, and the impossibility of selling them legitimatises the suspicion that the robbery was carried out to enable the perpetrators to study and illicitly exploit Pirelli's innovations. " The company warns the recipients of the tyres that, "the stolen tyres incorporate technological innovation that has been patented. Any use of this technology is illegal and therefore subject to prosecution. "

Pirelli said it has informed the relevant authorities and hopes to find and prosecute those responsible for the theft.