Tailgate theft is a crime trend that's showing up around San Diego, and now another victim has come forward.
10News was first to tell you about thieves targeting truck tailgates. Then, it happened in Oak Park. Thieves made off with the tailgate of a Toyota Tacoma - removing it from the vehicle in less than 20 seconds.
This week, North Park resident Rich Hathaway said his Tacoma’s tailgate was stolen, too. He said it happened in the middle of the night while the family slept a few feet away inside the house.
“I think I was just kind of in shock and in awe, and thought, well at least they left the truck,” Hathaway said.
Police say some criminals take the tailgates to sell them — 10News spotted them online listed for hundreds of dollars.
Hathaway said Toyota quoted his at $2,300 because it had a backup camera attached.
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“Got in my truck, put it in reverse, and noticed, huh, the backup camera isn’t working,” Hathaway said.
A quick fix cost less than $1 — all you have to do is attach a hose clamp to the quick release of the truck’s tailgate. Hathaway said that's a good option, but he's opting for a professional, more heavy-duty option when he gets the tailgate replaced.
“This one I will put a lock on it, and make sure it has a lock," he said. "I don’t think the other one did."
