Duncanville police are warning truck and SUV owners about a crime that can be over in less than a minute and cost the victim thousands of dollars to repair.
Thieves are targeting tailgates and third-row seats, police said, and can have them removed from a vehicle in only seconds.
"People don't realize how easy it is. You can typically take these off in 15 seconds," said Duncanville Police Spokesman Doug Sisk.
Sisk demonstrated how fast it can happen: first, by unhooking a clip on the side of the truck bed and then by lifting the tailgate out to remove it.
"They may sell them for $100-$500 to a body shop," Sisk said.
Sometimes, if sold online, the stolen part could go for as much as $2,500, Sisk said.
Sisk said it's nearly just as easy for criminals to take a third-row seat.
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The problem has become so bad in Duncanville, the police department is holding an anti-theft event this weekend to show residents how to secure their vehicles.
One solution Sisk suggested, a hose clamp, can cost less than $1. Sisk said to wrap and secure it around the bottom of the tailgate that fits into the truck.
Solutions to save your third-row seat are just as easy.
"Simple locks like getting a bicycle cable lock and running it through the clasp in the floor, up through the frame and locking it. That way it's secure in there," Sisk said.
He also said the department is urging residents to write or carve their VIN number onto their tailgate or third-row seat. That way, if stolen, police can track it back to the owner and hopefully the criminal.
If you live in Duncanville and are interested in more solutions, the anti-theft event is Saturday in the Duncanville City Hall parking lot at 203 E. Wheatland Road from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
For more information call 972-780-5027.
