Beckham's armored BMW X5 stolen
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-11-04 11:08

MADRID — British soccer megastar David Beckham bought his $180,000 armored BMW X5 because he feared his family might be kidnapped. Ironically, the car itself has now been stolen.

The specially converted SUV was taken from outside the Gran Madrid hotel near Beckham's home in an upmarket suburb of the Spanish capital. Beckham lives in Madrid and plays during the regular season for leading Spanish team Real Madrid.

The footballer had lent the X5 to one of his security staff — who apparently forgot to switch on the car's built-in tracking system, which means it couldn't be located electronically. Police believe the thieves are unlikely to have known it belonged to the star. If they realize it, there is concern they might demand a ransom for its return.

Beckham is said to have bought the armored SUV after a failed kidnap attempt on his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria (a.k.a. "Posh Spice"), and 6-year-old son Brooklyn, who are regular tabloid headliners in Europe. Beckham is a renowned car fan. His collection also includes several Ferraris and Aston Martins as well as a Hummer H2, a Bentley Arnage, and a Lincoln Navigator.