Grand Theft Auto ... Stolen!

First it was Halo 2. Now the newest version of Grand Theft Auto has been leaked to the Internet.

Rockstar Games' latest entry in its highly successful crime/action series, San Andreas, is scheduled for an October 26 release, but that didn't stop the game escaping into cyberspace.

No one knows where the leak originated from, but this will undoubtedly result in even sterner measures from game companies to secure their content. San Andreas is ranked number one on Amazon.com in the Computer & Video Games category, and the game is expected to draw huge sales. In response to the leak, Rockstar issued the following statement:

"Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive Software are aware that an illegally obtained version of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and images from the game and manual have been posted to various internet sites. The proper authorities are investigating the theft and are continuing to investigate all possible leads to ensure there is no further dissemination of our creative content."

"Downloading, possession and distribution of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, including making the game available on the internet, is theft. We take the theft of our intellectual property very seriously and we are and will continue to diligently and aggressively pursue this matter. If anyone finds information on websites with links to unauthorized downloads, information, scans or videos, please contact us at piracy@rockstargames.com."