First, the report examines trends in motor vehicle theft. Then the general characteristics of the offense are described, the number of vehicles stolen for various purposes are estimated, and the characteristics of different types of vehicle theft are considered. The different types of theft examined are fraudulent thefts, theft for the acquisition of the whole vehicle or parts, and theft for transport or other temporary use. Characteristics of known motor vehicle theft offenders are then examined. The final section considers the implications for crime prevention and discusses various policies for the prevention of vehicle theft. Findings show that vehicle theft is a common offense in New South Wales. In a typical week, approximately 750 vehicles are stolen. In 1991 the police recorded over 46,000 instances of vehicle theft, or about 1.6 percent of the fleet of registered vehicles in 1991. Due to the mitigation of costs through recovery of stolen vehicles, the costs of vehicle theft are somewhat less than the value of the vehicles stolen. The most substantial gains in preventing vehicle theft are most likely to come through improved vehicle security. This can be achieved through building improved security into the cars and through owner installation of security devices and the consistent use of security procedures. The requirement that anti-theft measures be installed on old as well as new vehicles might be achieved by making upgraded security a requirement of registration. Recommendations also address specific types of vehicle theft. 10 tables, 10 figures, and 47 references