Watch Your Tail: Tailgate Theft on the Rise
Tailgate theft continues to explode as technology and demand drives value through the roof.
Trucks just aren’t as easy to steal as they used to be. Credit newfangled anti-theft systems, smart keys, and GPS trackers for that. But thieves, as opportunistic as ever, are now setting their sights on easier targets. As technology becomes more and more incorporated into trucks, tailgate theft is reaching a new high.
In the old days, a tailgate was nothing more than a hinged hunk of metal used to access your truck’s bed. But today they’re jam packed with things like backup cameras, integrated steps and handles, and even power assist. All of which means that what used to cost a couple hundred bucks to replace now costs thousands of dollars. And it only takes a few seconds to steal one.
For these reasons, tailgate theft is surging all over the U.S. Including Stuart, Florida, where James Dodson emerged from his home one recent morning to find the tailgate on his 2013 Ford F-250 missing. “I think it’s just irritating, cause it’s just, I mean it’s pretty bold,” Dodson told CBS 12 News. “Obviously somebody who’s willing to do this, they don’t care. Whatever you worked for, they want it.”
Despite this depressing reality, protecting yourself from tailgate theft is actually pretty simple. For starters, make sure you keep your tailgate locked at all times. If you want to take things a step further, additional locks can provide an extra layer of security. When possible, back your truck up to a wall or door or park it in a garage. Even using something as simple as a steel hose clamp can help, as demonstrated in this handy video.
Follow these tips, and chances are, you won’t be the next victim of this popular crime!
