A just-released report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB) says thefts of pick-up truck tailgates rose 31% from 2012 to 2013.

The hotspots were Texas (752), California (334) and Arizona (207), which combined represented 67% of the claims. A total of 1,090 claims were reported in 2013 as compared to 831 in 2012.

Because tailgates take a lot of wear and tear during loading and unloading, and are easily damaged in rear-end collisions, they are a popular replacement part. Tailgates with accessories like backup cameras and other electronics can run as high as $3,000 to replace, contributing to what has become a "black market" for replacement parts. They're also easy to steal because the gates can be removed quickly without any special tools.

According to the NCIB report, the stolen tailgates may resurface on reseller sites like Craigslist or eBay. Even scrap metal dealers are willing to take these parts, making them that much more lucrative to steal, regardless of their condition. Thieves have hit private and commercial vehicles, including those parked in dealership lots.

The top 10 loss cities were:

  1. Houston, Texas
  2. San Antonio, Texas
  3. Dallas, Texas
  4. Phoenix, Ariz.
  5. Tucson, Ariz.
  6. Miami, Fla.
  7. Fresno, Calif.
  8. Austin, Texas
  9. Ft. Worth, Texas
  10. Garland, Texas

The most frequently targeted models during a rash of robberies earlier this year in Long Beach, Calif., were Ford, Toyota, Dodge and Chevrolet trucks. The only state not to experience any thefts was South Dakota.

There are a number of devices on the market to help deter thieves from reaching their goal. The devices can lock on the hinge mechanism on the tailgate and require the owner to use a key or an electronic remote to unlock them.

Owners can also protect their vehicles by backing them up against building walls to limit access to the truck bed or locking them in a garage.  

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