CURRENT METHODS OF VEHICLE THEFT AND LEGALISATION

The article discusses motor vehicle theft and legalisation. Despite modern methods of securing this kind of property, such offences are still committed by criminals. This type of crime is determined by the large and fast fi nancial profi ts, which criminals make not only from selling such cars, but also from ransoms obtained from the owners for returning the stolen vehicles. Criminal groups are also interested in vehicles carrying cargoes that are sold by the group or become objects of ransom obtained from owners. In the article, the author presents methods and techniques of stealing vehicles used by thieves in recent times. Moreover, the structure of criminal groups and the individual roles of their members are discussed. Furthermore, methods of legalising vehicles through previously stolen or counterfeited documents are presented, thanks to which buyers and public authorities are not able to get an idea of the practice. In most cases, the sale of properly prepared vehicles and documents is carried out under the pressure of time and attractive prices. In the last part of the article, the author presents the issue of obtaining compensation for stolen vehicles. This type of criminal activity is also a source of income for groups dealing with car theft.