NY Times Crossword
December 28, 2011
Louis Zulli

The first three clues below have something in common that is cleverly revealed by the answer to the fourth clue. What is it?

1. DIVE
2. PRESENT
3. ACCENTS
4. Modern crime

HINT:
The same two letters, in the same order, will change the first three clues into new words.

Answer:

Inserting the letters ID somewhere in the clue words will change them into new words:

1. DIVIDE
2. PRESIDENT
3. ACCIDENTS

Answer to Clue 4 and the reveal:

ID THEFT