This $3,000 theft can happen to your truck in just seconds

It takes a thief just seconds to remove the tailgate from your truck and then sell it on the black market for a fraction of what it would sell for new.

If you fall victim to this crime, you’re left having to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a replacement tailgate.

But fortunately there is a way to protect your vehicle!

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Tailgate theft is underreported

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) found that insured tailgate thefts have declined for the first time after five straight years of going up.

But the reality is that the total number of tailgate thefts reported to insurers — 1,787 in 2015, which is down from 1,895 the year prior — doesn’t fully reflect the amount that are really happening.

As the NICB notes, ‘The actual number of tailgate theft incidents may be considerably higher since many thefts do not generate an insurance claim.’

Texas, California, Florida, Arizona and Pennsylvania are the top five states for tailgate thefts.

To buy a new tailgate, you’ll pay a pretty penny. The NCIB report noted that a new tailgate from the manufacturer of a popular 2015 pickup truck would run around $1,300. Costs can go up from there for some specialized tailgates, some even topping out at $3,000.

There is a preponderance of data suggesting auto dealer lots and shopping malls are two hot targets for tailgate thieves to work. But tailgate theft can happen anywhere, so you’ve got to be on your guard.

What can you do about it?

The NCIB suggests using an after-market security device like a hinge lock to stop the criminals. For around $20, you can get something like this, pictured below courtesy of PickupTrucks.com.

Put this simple precaution in place and you’ll save yourself money in the long run!

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