Street Criminals

Car Thieves refer to NPCs that steal vehicles, and often pick-pocket pedestrians. They have been featured in the series since Grand Theft Auto 2. They add realism by simulating typical street crimes.

Grand Theft Auto 2

The car thieves in GTA 2 wear a green shirt and will usually steal any civilian or gang car that they can access, including the player's vehicle. Although the police make no attempts to stop car thieves, if a gang car is stolen, nearby gang members will open fire or chase the stolen vehicle.

Grand Theft Auto III

The car thieves in GTA III look strikingly similar to members of the Southside Hoods, except that they wear a brown jacket, as opposed to the Hoods' red or purple jackets. Much like in GTA 2, they will steal any civilian or gang vehicle that they can access, icluding the player's vehicle. They can also be seen pick-pocketing pedestrians - who usually run away or chase/fight them.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The car thieves in GTA Vice City come in two varieties; one has dark skin and is wearing a red shirt, black leather jacket, blue jeans, and white shoes, the other has light skin and wears the exact same clothing except that his shirt is white, and his jacket is brown. They seem to be a gang, of sorts, as they can often be seen in groups in the North Point Mall. Again, they will steal any civilian or gang vehicle that they can access, including the player's vehicle. However, if a police officer sees them, either, car-jacking or pick-pocketing, they will attempt stop them - the player is rewarded a "Good Citizen Bonus" of $50, if they choose to help the officer.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The car thieves in GTA San Andreas will try to steal any vehicle, including the player's vehicle, however, they will not steal police cars, police motorcycles, or any other law enforcement vehicle. They may sometimes have hidden weapons, such as, a knife or a pistol. Like in GTA Vice City, if a police officer sees them stealing cars, they will attempt to stop them. Unfortunately, the player no longer recieves a "Good Citizen Bonus" for helping the officer, in fact, the player is more likely to attain a wanted level by doing so.