Tailgate Theft

Short story:
On the day of my first payment my tailgate was stolen.(yes it was locked, I have had tailgates stolen before so I made sure I locked it every time) What are the mods I can do to prevent this from happening again? Already have a SaBellco lock on order, Is there an alarm system that will activate when the tailgate is open when armed?
Long Story:
I guess I live in a a crappy part of town so I'm going to ask, what are the best mods to prevent this from happening again for my 2022?(which washers? zip ties? mean dog/tiger in the bed?) On my 2014 without a locking tailgate(stolen 2 times) I added a XXXXXX (don't know if I can use the name) brace/lock, once without the lock, once with the lock(was stolen), after the 2nd time I added JB weld to the heads and found my truck without the backup cam one day looked in the bed to find my cables disconnected, luckily they didn't cut my camera cables. They tried but decided it would take too long I guess. I know if they really want it there is nothing I can do except have good insurance(which i do) For my 2022 what are the best mods?(Have a new gen Sabellco on order) Will a be cover help? aftermarket alarm system?(have seen the vids on hose clamps(diff types) and crush washers, so please don't suggest "google it"

 

How the heck do they steal the tailgate if it's locked?

Probably any or all of the above you mentioned. Tonneau, hose clamp, locking clamp, maybe one of these...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anti-tweaker-device.603258/

 

You should put an AirTag in your tailgate lol

 

I’m curious how they stole your tailgate when it was locked without severely damaging it?

 

https://sabellco.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=69

These appear to be a very secure option. I have one, installed fairly easily and seems that it would be a strong deterrent.

 

Where do you live?

 

That sucks, people suck. Sorry it happened.

 

I have one too!

 

Park with the gate against a building, tree, tiger cage etc.

 

the lock only locks the handle. he doesn't specify if he's running a bed topper of any sort, but if the bed's open, one could pretty easily slide a credit card/putty knife in each latch on the sides to release the tailgate and make off with it.

my suggestion to 100% preventing tailgate theft is to weld the tailgate to the truck.

 

If you have access to the inside of the bed I think you can partially disassemble the tailgate to get to the locking mechanism and latch.

 

I've owned Tacomas since 2010 and I have never once needed to remove the tailgate. Welding a cover to that open hinge on the passenger side would prevent this.

 

https://youtu.be/tBwuSEp0BjQ

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/christian06.699950/

@christian06

 

I tried that bracket but could not get the bolt off.

I ended up sending to another member here.

 

It boggles my mind that there is such a huge market for tailgates that theft is so commonplace.

 

And also melt the plastic bushing

 

@christian06

Visual aid

 

All these different locks, hose clamps, and hacks out there. Just weld it and be done with it.

 

I've seen so many people with crushed tailgates it blows my mind. Every one looks like some sort of careless loading mistake

 

Easiest fix. Expensive but I feel it's worth it.