Tail gate theft picked up in popularity over 10 years ago, proportional to the increase in cost of the tailgates. About 5 years ago, I damaged a tailgate on an '05 F150 I had, and I was amazed at how difficult it was to find a replacement, and when I did, how expensive it was!
In my current rig, the cost is over $4,000 to replace the tailgate. That in and of itself makes it an attractive item that can easily grow legs.
I have a factory "clamp" with basically a safety hex-head type socket for it. Hope it never goes anywhere, as that would make for a bad day...
