Easy money: Thieves target tailgates for quick cash

03:13 PM CDT on Thursday, June 30, 2005

By Jason Whitely / 11 News

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Texans love their trucks and so do thieves. The state's most popular vehicle is also the number one choice for thieves.

But some criminals skip the pickup and go right for the tailgate. They've become a hot commodity with thieves.

Metro police say several tailgates have been stolen from trucks at its Park and Ride lots.

"They look for parts that are easily removable and have value. The tailgate is one of those parts, as is your CD or DVD player," explained Capt. Michael Raney with Metro police. "They look for something that's easy to remove and they can turn around pretty quickly."

We found seven missing from the Eastex Park and Ride on this day.

Cops say newer Chevrolets and Fords are targeted most.

Charles Kurth became the latest victim Monday night, minutes after he pulled his F-150 into his Alief driveway.

Crooks took the tailgate, but left his expensive tools.

"Of course, that would have required work. These lazy sons of guns, they're not in to working. They're into stealing," said Kurth. "A bunch of low lifes."

In the last couple months, Metro officers investigated 14 stolen tailgates from Park and Rides. Metro has undercover officers staking out Park and Rides to try and nab the thieves.

Citywide, Houston police have 68 cases this year -- the majority since May.

Ripping off tailgates isn't necessarily a new crime, just one police hadn't seen much of in recent years -- until lately.

Police say thieves often prefer individual parts instead of the entire vehicle because they're virtually untraceable.

Tailgates can be sold to salvage yards for several hundred dollars -- q uick cash for a crime you can commit in seconds.

One that's likely to cost Charles Kurth a thousand dollars or more to replace.

Captain Raney suggests buying a tailgate lock if you don't already have one. They cost less than $20 at dealerships and auto parts stores.