[originaltext] Car theft is a widespread problem. In America alone one car is

Car theft is a widespread problem. In America alone one car is stolen every 32 seconds. That’s almost a million cars each year. And of those, (32) 40% are never recovered. And don’t think that just because your car might be a bit old and beaten-up looking no one will steal it. Any car can be stolen anywhere. Most thefts occur in residential areas, often the front of the house or even from inside the garage. (33) Some areas that are especially dangerous are shopping centers and parking lots, particularly at sports events. Most car thieves don’t need to break into the car. (34) They usually gain entry through unlocked doors and many times they find the key in the car. In fact, it is amazing that one in five stolen cars had the keys left in the car. 20% of drivers left the keys in an unlocked car. There are basically two kinds of car or bike thieves: non-professionals usually aged about 15 to 21, and professionals. This last group usually needs less than one minute to break into a locked car and they often steal cars to use in other crimes such as robberies. You are much less likely to get your car back if it’s stolen by a professional, (35) and if it’s stolen by the first group, it will be badly damaged when you do get it back because they have a very high accident rate.