GTA 6 Overhauls Car Theft with Security Tiers and a Scanner Tool

Grand Theft Auto 6 introduces a stratified vehicle security system, making high-end cars harder to steal than older, cheaper models. A new WAINK scanner lets players inspect a vehicle's security level and value before attempting a theft. Rockstar says this adds progression and decision-making to the classic carjacking mechanic.

The WAINK scanner functions as a pre-theft reconnaissance tool, displaying both a vehicle's security tier and its monetary value before any crime is attempted. This information directly informs player strategy, as some cars require specialized equipment like digital key cloners that must be purchased or unlocked through story progression. Older vehicles remain vulnerable to traditional methods like slim jims, preserving the classic quick-steal experience.

Stolen vehicles can now be sold to fences, though trackers complicate this process. Advanced tracking systems may alert law enforcement if the driver falls below a certain speed, forcing aggressive driving to avoid pursuit. This mechanic mirrors the hunting and pelt-selling loop from Red Dead Redemption 2, adapted for automobiles.