Tailgate was stolen on Labor Day

Someone stole my tailgate in the middle of the night. Neighbors cameras caught a white van, likely an Astro, but no license plate.

Already filed a police report and the dealership is going to replace the tailgate.

Be safe out there. Lock your tailgate.

 

The fools, they left the bedmat..

 

There is an additional lock you can add, where the tailgate pivots. Sa Bell co, I believe is the name. Also many folks here have added a hose clamp at that same point. Not as secure as a lock, but still may slow em down.

 

Despicable trash

 

First thing I did when I bought my truck was add a hard tonneau cover. About a month later I found that I was forgetting to do the key lock thing on the tailgate about half the time, so I had an OEM tailgate lock installed. Now whenever I lock my doors my tailgate is locked also. Not foolproof by any means but at least its a deterrent.

 

Hose clamp won't work. I had my tailgate stolen about 4 years ago and I had the hose clamp installed. Get the custom clamp that goes on the hinge like you mentioned. I also added a locking tailgate handle.

 

Hose clamps will slow them down.

 

Invest in the power tailgate lock so it doesn't happen again. I got the Oem one its quite easy to install.

 

The body shop is next to a Home Depot so I'll get the hose clamp right now. Thank you for the tip on the lock, I'll shop for one and get it when I replace the tailgate

 

I guy on here sells a anti theft device
Goes on by the hinge
Uses a security screw
Did it so long ago i forgot how it works
Not sure if makes them for 3 gen

 

Here ya go op.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.593155/

He makes them for 3rd gen

 

Very nice thieves to not cut the wire harness, lol

 

ya I know I was surprised by that curtesy

 

Theives suck as well as the work/time OP has to do to obtain replacement.

 

Sheeet, I’m putting an air tag or two inside my truck. I keep putting it off, will get to it one of these days.

 

was it locked?

 

Been there a few years ago..about $2500 to replace through my insurance..now I am religious about locking it and also did the hose clamp thing. Covered the clamp screw with JB weld so it cannot be unscrewed...at least slow em down.

 

I noticed that too!

And they didn't cut the harness...how thoughtful.

Here's my Sabelco installed after buying the OEM Tailgate Lock.

EDIT: I still want the tonneau cover...my bed mat is open game!
EDIT#2: I just noticed OP @SupremeMatt has a Midnight Black Sport!
EDIT#3: And OP @SupremeMatt is from SoCal...I grew up in L.A. and one of my sisters lives in Alhambra.