The number of violent crimes in Bangkok has been increasing, in concert with social and economic changes, urbanization, unemployment, migration, mobility, and population growth. Between January and September 1990, for example, recorded violent crimes totaled 1,376, compared to 6,039 for the rest of the country. Street crimes have also increased, including housebreaking, theft, snatching, robbery, assault, rape, and murder. Rising demands on the police have hampered the effectiveness of social control, and citizens have become dissatisfied with police effectiveness. Over the past few years, auto and motorcycle theft has posed a particularly serious problem for the police. In the Bangkok metropolitan area, 1,676 passenger cars, pickups, and trucks and 1,946 motorcycles were stolen in 1990. Thailand's national strategy for preventing crime focuses on crimes against persons and property and on the development of police patrol units in both cities and provinces. In Bangkok, the police are mobilizing special task forces and stepping up tactical operations, especially to deal with auto theft gangs and hired gunmen. 18 references and 4 tables