Pickup tailgate thefts?

[rondog]

My co-worker alerted me to the phenomenon of people stealing tailgates off of pickups - anybody know if this is a real big issue here? Looked on Google, and it appears that it is, at least in certain parts of the country.

Found out mine has a lock, so I keep it locked. Also found a tip about putting a hose clamp around the slotted socket so the tailgate can't just be lifted out. Sure the clamp can be removed, but at least it'll slow them down or discourage them enough to go elsewhere.

I'd be interested to know if there's any other types of locks that are more effective. Like a different kind of clamp that's harder to remove? My tailgate has a backup camera, so I'm sure it's a juicier target.

[DOC]

My brothers dodge tailgate got ripped off out in front of our house.

[thedave1164]

Yep, someone stole the f250 SD tailgate from the previous owner of my truck

[BPTactical]

Yup, and it's not a new trend. I've done the hose clamp trick on every truck I've owned since the late 80's.
What makes it worse now is a tailgate can run you $3k with back up cameras and steps in them.
Hose clamp and if it has a Lock, keep it locked.
Tailgate thefts are a crime of opportunity.

[ray1970]

Thanks for the reminder that I need to lock mine.

On a similar note, we had the hoods stolen off three of our company trucks in a hotel parking lot one night.

[Lars]

We've had multiple tailgates stolen of of our work trucks. Mine locks when you hit the door locks so I don't have to remember to lock it. They are worth a good chunk of change even without the camera in them and they are to easy to steal. Keep them locked, and if you don't have one that locks go get a locking latch kit, they sell them for almost every type of tailgate out there.

[rondog]

I can't even tell you how fucking pissed off I'd be if someone stole mine.....it would be a whole 'nother dimension.....

Getting myself a hose clamp TODAY!

[theGinsue]

This is all news to me. Thanks for the heads up.

My tailgate doesn't lock and I had no idea they sold lock kits for them. I'll be throwing a hose clamp on until I can get a lock kit and install it.

Just adds to the adage that thieves will steal anything that isn't bolted down.

[Gman]

Just adds to the adage that thieves will steal anything that isn't bolted down.

If it's simply bolted down and nobody's looking, they'll still steal it.

[XJ]

I placed a glob of JB Weld on top of the hose clamp screw. Easy enough for me to deal with at home, and just a little bit more of a deterrent in a parking lot.