Dear Truck Owners: Secure Your Tailgates

First, thieves were cutting catalytic converters off petrol-powered vehicles because of the valuable platinum, palladium, and rhodium inside the exhaust systems, which convert toxic engine gases into safer emissions. Now, it appears thieves are targeting trucks in one part of the country, not for precious metals, but for entire tailgates.
CBS affiliate KHOU 11, which serves Houston, Texas, recently reported on a vehicle-parts theft ring targeting trucks for their tailgates.
The outlet interviewed a Texas truck owner whose tailgate had been stolen. While searching Facebook Marketplace for a replacement, he stumbled across something unexpectedly familiar: his own tailgate.
The finding led Harris County Precinct 4 deputies to recover eight stolen tailgates from an apartment garage in Harris County, situated in the northwestern part of the Houston metropolitan area, and arrest two 27-year-old men.
Investigators said the owner had placed unique markings on the tailgate before it was stolen, allowing deputies to verify that the item advertised online belonged to him.
“Our complainants had some unique markings on the tailgate that we were able to verify belonged to the complainant,” Harris County Precinct 4 Capt. Jonathan Zitzmann said.
YouTuber WhiteFace Ford reported the tailgate theft problem in Texas in a viral short video titled "The Tailgate Theft Problem Hitting South Texas Truck Owners."
The Tailgate Theft Problem Hitting South Texas Truck Owners Hard
— Whiteface Ford (@Jon_Galland) August 16, 2026
In San Antonio they are stealing tailgates and tail lights, and a replacement tailgate can cost up to $3500. Any anti theft protection?#FordTrucks #WhitefaceFord #DealershipSecrets pic.twitter.com/6S77NLAv7S
Thieves Steal Tailgates in Minutes and Here Is How to Stop Them
— Whiteface Ford (@Jon_Galland) July 31, 2026
The Omaha Bravo Designs kit installs in under an hour, blocking access to the tailgate cable and tail light screws with security hardware.#FordTrucks #WhitefaceFord #DealershipSecrets pic.twitter.com/JS3Im0cP1G
Beyond the Texas tailgate theft, we reported earlier this month that criminals were stealing entire outdoor HVAC units, prompting some homeowners to install metal cages.
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Ask Gab AI- • Thieves in Harris County, Texas, are stealing truck tailgates for resale.
- • Two men were arrested after a victim identified his stolen tailgate on Facebook Marketplace.
- • Replacement costs for these parts can reach up to $3,500.
This surge in theft follows a trend of targeting high-value vehicle components like catalytic converters and HVAC units. Criminals are increasingly exploiting accessible hardware to strip valuable parts for quick cash.
Christian Perspective
Theft is a direct violation of the commandment against stealing and shows a total lack of respect for the fruits of honest labor. These criminals prioritize immediate greed over the moral obligation to honor their neighbor's property. Such lawlessness reflects a spiritual decay within the community.
Implications
Rising crime rates and property theft undermine the stability and security required for a healthy, God-fearing society. When citizens cannot trust that their hard-earned possessions are safe, the social contract begins to dissolve. This instability threatens the peace and order necessary for traditional family life to flourish.
Broader Trends
This pattern of opportunistic crime is symptomatic of the breakdown in law and order caused by failing liberal institutions. The shift toward a culture of theft and rapid resale mirrors the broader social degeneracy seen in urban centers. It highlights the need for stronger, more decisive policing to protect the American people.
Takeaway
Protect your property through physical security measures like specialized hardware or etching identifying marks. Prioritize self-reliance and vigilance to safeguard the tools used to build your family's future. Stand firm against the culture of lawlessness by securing your assets and supporting strong law enforcement.
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