The vehicle theft market was formed in the 1990’s. Its development can serve as an indicator of the direction in which local crime groups evolved after 1989. The reason is the particular nature of this crime activity related to acquiring a special status of the crime actors involved, as well as the weak control on the part of law enforcement bodies, especially at the beginning of the transition period.

The issue of car-theft is also examined annually in the National Crime Survey, which monitors also the issue of car-theft for ransom.