Can You Steal a Police Car in GTA? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! Stealing a police car in the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) universe is a fundamental and often chaotic experience. Across multiple GTA titles, from the sprawling streets of Los Santos in GTA V to the neon-lit avenues of Vice City, commandeering law enforcement vehicles has always been a core gameplay element. While the methods and consequences might vary slightly between games, the ability to snatch a police cruiser remains a consistent thrill for players. This article will delve into the specifics of how to steal these vehicles, what you can do with them, and address other related queries about police cars in the GTA series.
How to Acquire a Police Car in GTA
The most common way to acquire a police car in any GTA game involves either provoking the police or strategically intercepting them. Here’s a closer look at the methods typically used:
Provoking the Police
This is the most straightforward method. Committing any crime within sight of law enforcement, such as reckless driving, assault, or theft (ironically), will usually trigger a police response. Once the cops arrive, you can take the opportunity to pull them out of their vehicles and make your getaway.
Strategic Interception
Another popular method involves a more tactical approach. In GTA V, for instance, you can call 911 to dispatch police officers to your location. When they arrive, you can ambush them and take their vehicle. This is often preferred as it doesn’t immediately escalate the wanted level compared to openly committing crimes.
Specific Techniques
There are some specific techniques that players use to quickly acquire a police car:
- Backwards Entry: In GTA V, there’s a popular method involving pulling out a weapon and walking backwards towards the driver’s side door. Pressing the relevant button (Y on Xbox) allows you to enter the car without the usual animation that leaves you vulnerable. This method is often used when attempting to keep the police car.
- Parachuting Method: Another strategic way is to parachute near police cars. This is effective if you’re playing with a lower level character with no armor, as it helps in gaining the upper hand.
What Can You Do with a Stolen Police Car?
Once you’ve successfully hijacked a police vehicle, the possibilities, while not limitless, are certainly entertaining. Here are some common activities you can engage in:
- Driving Around: The most obvious activity is driving around the city in your new stolen ride. Enjoy the novelty of patrolling the streets from the perspective of law enforcement, albeit temporarily.
- Triggering Random Events: Driving a police car can sometimes trigger random encounters in the game, such as purse robberies or other petty crimes that you might intercept as a mock-cop.
- Pursuit and Evasion: The thrill of using the police car to engage in high speed chases and then trying to lose the cops.
However, it’s important to note that in most GTA games, you can’t permanently modify or store stolen law enforcement vehicles in your personal garage. While you might find a way to store them through glitches or specific techniques, they aren’t typically treated like your own personal vehicles.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Stealing Police Cars in GTA
Here are some frequently asked questions about stealing police cars in the Grand Theft Auto universe.
1. How many stars do I get for stealing a police car?
Generally, stealing a police car without harming the officers will give you a one-star wanted level. However, attacking the officers or killing them will result in an increased two- or three-star wanted level, depending on your actions.
2. Can I keep a stolen police car permanently in GTA?
In most GTA games, it’s not straightforward to permanently keep a stolen police car. While there are certain methods or glitches that some players might discover, these vehicles are not officially designed to be stored or modified.
3. Where do the cops take my car when I get busted?
If you get arrested in GTA V, your car will often be impounded at the LSPD Impound Lot. You can retrieve your vehicle by paying a small fee.
4. What is the penalty for stealing a police car in GTA?
In GTA, the ‘sentence’ for stealing a police car is similar to stealing any other car but the police tend to take it personally, resulting in a higher end punishment. You’ll also face higher wanted levels.
5. How can I lower my wanted level in GTA?
You can lower your wanted level in GTA using cheat codes, and by escaping the police pursuit using various evasion techniques such as hiding in subway tunnels, going off-road, using alleyways or going into the ocean. In GTA V there is the 1-999-5299-3787 (LAWYERUP) cheat.
6. What happens if the police destroy my car in GTA Online?
In GTA Online, if your personal vehicle gets destroyed, you can claim it back through Mors Mutual Insurance (available in your in-game phone contacts). This is different from the story mode.
7. How long does it take to lose the cops in GTA?
Typically, you will lose the cops after approximately one minute of evading them, provided you stay out of their line of sight and avoid being within their blue range on the minimap.
8. Where are the best places to hide from the police in GTA?
Good places to evade the cops in GTA include subway tunnels, sewers, multi-level parking lots, and areas that are not within the police’s line of sight. Also, try not to shoot back as that increases the wanted level.
9. What cars can you steal and keep in GTA V?
In GTA V, you can steal and keep vehicles that are valued at less than $100,000 from websites. More expensive cars must be purchased.
10. What are some of the fastest cars you can steal in GTA V?
Some of the fastest cars you can steal in GTA V include the Karin Sultan, Lampadati Felon, Übermacht Oracle, and other cars that spawn in the car park below the Del Perro Pier.
11. What are some useful cheat codes in GTA V?
Some helpful GTA V cheat codes include:
- 1-999-887-853 (TURTLE): Max Health and Armour.
- 1-999-866-587 (TOOLUP): Weapons and Ammo.
- 1-999-3844-8483 (FUGITIVE): Raise Wanted Level.
- 1-999-5299-3787 (LAWYERUP): Lower Wanted Level.
12. What’s the quickest way to escape the police in GTA V?
One of the fastest ways to lose the cops in GTA V is to fully submerge your vehicle in the ocean as police AI does not operate underwater.
13. Is it a felony to steal an emergency vehicle in real life?
Yes, in real life, stealing an emergency vehicle like a fire truck is considered grand theft and carries severe consequences.
14. How do real-life police cars not get stolen?
Real police cars have anti-theft devices such as Secure-Idle that allow officers to leave their vehicles running without the risk of being stolen by locking the steering column and the gear shift.
15. What is the fastest car in GTA 5 Online?
Currently, the fastest car in GTA Online is the BF Weevil Custom, with a top speed of 137.5 mph (221.28 kph).
Conclusion
Stealing a police car in GTA is a simple yet enduring aspect of the gameplay experience. From the initial thrill of the heist to the chaotic chases that follow, commandeering law enforcement vehicles offers a unique form of entertainment. While these vehicles aren’t meant to be kept or fully customized, they remain a fascinating and often essential part of the Grand Theft Auto sandbox experience. By understanding the methods, consequences, and tricks associated with these vehicles, you can make the most of your GTA escapades.