Keep your truck safe and protected. The Ford F-150 was the most popular truck to steal for decades by now the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Toyota Tacoma are a growing risk. Thieves are finding one Toyota Tacoma part to be irresistible. 

Why are thieves targeting the Toyota Tacoma? 

Thieves are targeting the Toyota Tacoma to steal the tailgate in Costa Mesa, California. Police are warning folks about the rise in theft as 20 tailgates were stolen between April and May. 

19 of the tailgates came from Tacoma models. An increase in tailgate theft is occurring in other parts of the country, too. 

They’re being targeted because they’re quick and easy to steal. The tailgates are designed to pop off easily and can be stolen in under a minute. 

Plus, it doesn’t help that the Tocama is incredibly popular with supply parts that are in high demand. The design of the tailgate stayed the same for years, so you could take one from a 2016 model to replace a dented one on a 2019 model.

Replacement parts are in short supply with high price tags. One woman was quoted $4,000 to replace her stolen tailgate. Another man was quoted $6,000. 

Then she was told that it would take at least six months for the tailgate to come in. Many dealerships and repair shops don’t have Tacoma tailgates in stock because so many are being stolen. 

This allows thieves to sell them online for profit as desperate victims try to reduce waiting times.  Also, if the tailgates aren’t sold online they can be sold for scrap metal. 

At least you can still drive the truck without its tailgate. However, this is very frustrating for those who need to store items in their truck beds.

Luckily there are ways to protect your Toyota Tacoma and its tailgate. The police recommend purchasing a tailgate lock to deter thieves. 

Be sure to mark it with the vehicle identification number (VIN) or plate number, so if the tailgate is recovered it can be identified as yours. Also, it’s best to park in well lit areas with surveillance cameras around.