Car Thefts Outpacing Recovery Rate

DAMMAM, 22 February 2007 — Eastern Province authorities reported that car thefts have increased at a greater rate than the recovery of stolen cars, the daily Al-Watan reported yesterday. According to the report, theft of vehicles has risen by 14 percent while the recovery of stolen vehicles has increased by 6.5 percent. Authorities say gangs that utilize two teams are increasingly committing car theft: one to watch out for onlookers and police and the other to steal the vehicle.