Question: what is the difference between auto theft and grand theft auto?
Answer: Joyriding is taking a car without intending to keep it. In contrast, a person who steals a car (grand theft auto) does not intend to return it to the owner. Usually, auto theft is a more serious crime than joyriding. ... In contrast, a person who steals a car (grand theft auto) does not intend to return it to the owner.