28 Jan 2014
If you don’t follow the news concerning crime statistics, that headline is probably surprising. You might even assume it refers to hold-ups in the parking lots before a football game. After all, who would want to steal an actual tailgate? Seems like a lot of trouble, and a lot of heaving lifting, to take something that wouldn’t appear to have a ready market to dump it off to. But tailgate thefts are on the rise, and in a big way. And the trend is noticeable not only in Texas, but across the country, although historically Texas has more than its fair share of these thefts. Here are some of the reasons why tailgates are a popular target for thieves:
- Contrary to common belief, tailgates are not particularly difficult to remove. In fact, they are specifically designed for easy removal by the owner. One insurance company contends that an experienced tailgate thief only needs about 10 seconds to take one off. The ease of removing them is one of the reasons why experts in the area say the level of these thefts has risen so dramatically. Apparently, if you know what you’re doing, you don’t even need any tools.
- As far as thinking that there’s no market for the tailgates, you might want to think again. Because of their location on most vehicles, tailgates are one of the most often damaged items on a car or truck. They are therefore in demand as replacement parts.
- There is little risk of getting caught, unless you’re nabbed in the act. First, most tailgate thefts are not even reported. Second, there is no identifying markings or serial numbers that might allow the parts to be traced.
- Profitability has risen since the advent of back-up cameras on many vehicles. If your tailgate has a camera, its replacement cost nearly triples, and this has a corresponding effect on its value on the black market.
If you are wondering if your vehicle is a likely target, we understand that these thefts most often take place on pickup trucks, and within that category, the most thefts are on the Ford F-150, the most popular pickup truck sold. And more thefts of tailgates take place, of course, in the nation’s number one market for pickup trucks, which is – you guessed it – Texas!
Law Office of David D. White, PLLC
1201 Rio Grande Street #200
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 369-3737