Is there a VIN tag on the tailgate?

Just to belabor off topic:
As someone that has shot at a burglar, a few comments responding to a few previous posts:

Each state is different.
In mine you are threatened if someone breaks into your HOME and may use deadly force. You do not have to retreat.
In mine, you may not use deadly force to protect property.
No state will let you retrieve your property outside your home with deadly force.
In every state, if your life is threatened, regardless of where you are, and you can't run away (duty to retreat) you may defend yourself with deadly force. Some don't require retreat ie. "stand your ground".
Better know the rules if you own a gun.

In my case, I delayed until he grabbed a kitchen knife. Game over.
Clear the weapon and get away from it and tell cops where it is when they show up.

There is what is supposed to happen and what does happen. If there is a gray area, beware political motivations.
Overall, the uncertainty, even after assurances by the DA, ruined my life for months. Think five times before pulling a trigger.
I would prefer to not go thru this again. And all sorts of wanna be Rambo's will applaud until it happens to them. It ain't fun.

On topic: OP's situation is nowhere near warranting deadly force. Stupid to even suggest a gun in OP's situation.

 

I'd just turn it in on insurance and pay the comprehensive deductible. Sh*t happens, that's what insurance is for. Life goes on. Sorry you have to deal with this OP.

 

So………
who’s gonna agree to show up to a police station to sell a stolen tailgate?

 

Correct. Defending your home or person is different. Shooting somebody because they try to steal your garden gnome is just stupid no matter what state you are in. I’m a CCW holder in ca. I’ve been thorough training, I have CCW insurance, I have family in the highest level federal law enforcement and I still would not want to draw my weapon let alone shoot somebody over property. This Rambo, tough guy talk is just dumb.

 

Ccw in ca is pretty rare no?

 

No. CA went from a “may” issue state to “ shall” issue.

as long as you pay for training and pass the background check you will be issued a permit.

 

As I recall, even the "wild west" was not always "wild and free". Many towns enforced laws about turning in guns when you enter, returned to you when you left. A bar full of drunk gun holders sounded like a good idea until people died.

 

Well aren’t you friendly

Texas Penal Code Section 9.42 states a person can use deadly force to protect tangible, movable property from another’s imminent commission of theft during the nighttime or to prevent another who is fleeing immediately after committing theft during the nighttime and is escaping with property if the person reasonably believes the land or property cannot be protected or recovered by any other means; or that a use of force other than deadly force to recover the property would expose them to a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.

 

You just proved my point. You can’t run outside and shoot somebody because they are trying to steal your tailgate.

 

Go buy your tailgate back. It’s gotta be cheaper than the deductible.

 

You stayed in bed and listened to someone steal the tailgate off your own property and didn't want to confront them. Yet you want to show up on his turf and will confront them if it proves to be yours.

No, I wouldn't shoot anyone for stealing my tailgate, But I'd have turned an outside light on and went outside. And I would have been armed with a gun, my cell, and a bright light. 99% of the time turning the light on would have convinced them to simply leave and leave the tailgate behind. At the least I'd have attempted to get a photo of the thieves or a tag number even if they left without taking the tailgate. Then I'd have called 911.

I wouldn't shoot to prevent them from taking the tailgate, but if they became aggressive toward me then I'd shoot to defend myself.

 

And that cop can then check with the crime lab and he'll find out that there's 4 detectives assigned to the case, working in shifts.

 

You want a toe? I can get you a toe.

 

Attack the problem at the root. Get outta Cali, and you’ll live happily ever after

 

With property thefts the way they are today personal/commercial America is the least free it has been in 248 years.

 

Yeah, nothing gets stolen anywhere else.

 

Ah, so you’re one of those, can’t be wrong.

You said you can’t shoot someone over property in any state. That was wrong.

In Texas, at night, you can shoot someone simply to stop them from stealing or getting away with stolen property.

 

If I decide to leave GA then Texas it is!

 

My 23 came with the vin on the tailgate.

 

Good to know thanks! Where is it located on the 23? I would like to check mine.