Pickup tailgate thefts on the rise, insurance group warns

Thieves appear to be showing an increasing interest in pickup tailgates, according to data tracked by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

The industry group reports a 31-percent jump in tailgate thefts between 2012 and 2013. Insurance companies received at least 1,090 claims for stolen tailgates last year, though the actual crime numbers are likely much higher.

More than a third of the thefts occur in Texas, with California and Arizona completing the top-three states. The worst cities include Houston, San Antonio and Dallas.

Most of the stolen tailgates are believed to be sold as parts to replace damaged components on other vehicles, while others are likely taken to the scrapyard for a much smaller return.

“The underground market is lively for items that can be acquired at a fraction of their legitimate cost,” the NICB said in its report. “Tailgate thefts can occur anywhere; several episodes of multiple thefts have occurred in single locations, such as auto dealers’ lots and shopping malls.”

The group recommends using a hinge lock or other security device to prevent thieves from removing the tailgate, which can take just seconds depending on the pickup model.