Here's why I locked my $1000 gate

[theking]

Houston man saw his stolen tailgate online and called the police — and it led to a huge bust of blank key fobs
An investigation into stolen pickup truck tailgates has uncovered a deeper, more alarming trend in Houston: thieves are using high-tech tools to clone key fobs and drive away with vehicles in under eight minutes.

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, victims whose tailgates were stolen worked together to track down the suspects by searching social media posts, passing that information along to local authorities. When deputies intercepted the suspects, they discovered more than just stolen tailgates.

Here's my thread about installing lock on my Taco's tailgate:

Given how easily pick-up truck tailgates can be stolen...liter ally in a matter of seconds, I bought a lock for my Tacoma's tailgate. Do you have a lock on yours? 

[theking]

Here's the cheapest alternative from what I've seen...Use a hose clamp and grind off the head so the thief can't unscrew it:




Sure like other things, if the thieves want it bad enough, they can still find a way to steal it but it'll be more difficult...so that may just be enough to deter them to the next target..

[theking]

"in just a matter of seconds" and your "$4000" can be stolen like this lady:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4lSFGYN4-8

[theking]

This was in 2015 so I imagine it's closer to $10,000 now  :

Thieves eyeing Houston-area truck drivers' tailgates
ByJohn Fenoglio KTRK logo
Thursday, May 14, 2015
https://abc13.com/tailgate-theft/723034/
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Thieves continue to target pickup truck tailgates throughout the greater Houston area.

"Most pickup trucks on the road without a tailgate have probably been heisted. It's just that easy," explained Robert Mills of Tommy Vaughn Ford. Mills and his body shop staff say that hardly a week goes by without at least one person rolling onto the dealership lot without a tailgate.

New pickup truck tailgates can cost upwards of $6,000 depending on the make and model of the truck. Many new tailgates feature LED lights, a rear camera, and an electronic locking system. But those features come with a price, one that criminals are eager cash in on.