Tip of the Week - September 12, 2018 - Preventing Tailgate Theft

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Yes- truck tailgate theft is a thing, especially now that some newer model trucks have tailgates with foldout steps and/or backup cameras in them. They are worth thousands of dollars, so thieves are quickly making off with them to sell on the black market.

Lincoln, California and surrounding police departments took reports on a rash of tailgate thefts in one weekend. Targeted were tailgates from white trucks of the same make and model.

Tailgates can be quickly and easily removed. So how can you prevent thieves from taking what’s yours?

  • Secure the lock if equipped with one.

  • Consider purchasing an anti-theft device for tailgates.

  • Park in a well-lit area.

  • Back the truck up to another vehicle or your garage door.

“It’s an absolute shame that you have to worry about the tailgate of your truck,” said CSLEA Foundation Chairman Kenny Ehrman. “The tougher you make it for a thief to get his/her hands on what’s yours, the more likely you are to keep it. Thieves want to get in and get out. There are some demonstrations of anti-theft devices for tailgates on the internet. It doesn’t hurt to check them out.”