Last year the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that tailgate thefts increased by 32% in 2013.
The underground market is lively for items that can be acquired at a fraction of their legitimate cost. Tailgates are no exception. While many of these stolen tailgates end up on similar vehicles, others are simply sold for scrap, which contributes to the nationwide problem of metal theft.
Tailgate thefts can occur anywhere; several episodes of multiple thefts have occurred in single locations, such as auto dealers' lots and shopping malls. Since a tailgate theft takes just seconds to accomplish, consumers might consider using an after-market security device, such as a hinge lock to thwart criminals.
Florida is fourth in the nation for tailgate thefts and this past week over eight tailgates were targets in Deltona, Florida. WESH-TV filed the following video report on the incidents.
Video courtesy of WESH-TV
The NICB recommends these tips to prevent your tailgate from being stolen:
- First, if your model has an integrated lock, use it. If a tailgate can't be opened, it can't be stolen as easily. If you don't have one, get one; they are relatively inexpensive.
- Park with the tailgate as close as you can to an object or a structure to prevent the tailgate from opening.
- Etch the truck's vehicle identification number (VIN) or your own personal identification number into the tailgate; this will aid in its recovery and may prevent its theft in the first place.