Insured Tailgate Thefts on Slight Decline, But Still a Problem

4 Apr 2018

Earlier this year, the National Insurance Crime Bureau released information regarding insured tailgate thefts. According to the agency, data about these thefts has remained consistent for the past four years.

Statistics point to 1,877 claims of tailgate theft in 2016, and a slightly lower number of 1,788 thefts in 2017. These statistics are gathered based on insurance claims, so it is possible that the actual number of incidents are much higher.

The news release lists the five states reporting the largest number of tailgate thefts for 2016 and 2017. They are Texas, California, Florida, Arizona and Nevada respectfully. The big cities frequently targeted are Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Los Angeles and Fresno.

Tailgate thefts occur frequently because the high cost of the replacement item. The expensive part and potential profit a criminal can make outweighs the risk of stealing one for many car thieves. New tailgates can be worth over $1,300 in some cases.

There are a number of devices on the market today that can help protect car owners from theft or help them in recovering a vehicle that has already been stolen. Tailgate locks are a well-known and cost-effective way of deterring theft, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends utilizing these to combat tailgate thieves. The tailgate will need to be swung open to remove it, but it won’t be possible for criminals without a key.

GPS tracking for cars is also becoming increasingly common, and devices can be purchased that will relay your cars location even in the event it’s stolen by theives. When your car is equipped with GPS tracking, you will be able to find its exact location, report the information to police and ensure the quick return of your property.

Knowledgeable car thieves are more likely to avoid stealing a car that has an obvious (overt) GPS system because it increases the likelihood they will be caught by law enforcement. Car owners should consider both GPS tracking for cars and tailgate locks to protect their valuable property.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.