Passage Summary: Fewer cars are being stolen these days, and at the same time, if you do steal a car, you're more likely to get caught and convicted than you used to be.

Reasoning: Over the last five years, the total number of cars stolen has decreased, while the probability of a thief being convicted has increased.

Analysis: These two facts are not contradictory, but they do invite an explanation for why they are occurring simultaneously. Often, a single factor can explain two seemingly distinct trends. For instance, if new technology makes it easier to track stolen cars, that would both deter potential thieves (lowering the theft rate) and make it easier for police to catch and convict those who do steal (increasing the conviction rate). Look for an answer that provides a common cause for both the decrease in crime and the increase in successful prosecutions.