Drawing on in-depth interviews and preliminary findings from quantitative measurement, the career of the car thief is traced from spectator to passenger to driver and finally to seller of equipment from stolen cars. Detailed profiles using recognized objective psychological techniques are planned in the final research effort. The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) is urged to explore the benefits of working with the younger car thief and his parents through individualized programs. In addition to intervention, increased surveillance and target hardening by manufacturers are seen as necessary in cracking car crime which costs lives (13 in the past 10 years in England and Wales) and property (fewer than half the cars stolen in Catholic West Belfast are recovered).