We've been hearing about this trend for years, and it's good to read about some of these dirtbags getting busted! Check out the full story on the HP.

 

Someone must have got some surveillance video!

 

I'm surprised on how many people do not spend the money to secure the tailgates more. You're spending that much money on a truck, you can afford to secure something like that. Maybe Ford engineers should do a better job too on securing tailgates. They can stop using the high premium sound, in exchange for a secured tailgate.

 

There should be a tailgate lock that locks and unlocks with the cab doors. Also an alarm switch to trigger the alarm should the tailgate be opened while the alarm is set.

 

My '17 locks with the cab doors, found out the hard way when i tough it was broke because it wouldn't open lol. A hinge lock would be nice but then people who remove their tailgate would complain it's too difficult. A hinge lock is pretty easy to add though.

 

I don't know if it is standard or not, but our 2015 locks the tailgate with the doors. I know I hear it click when I tap the remote as I walk away.

I also added a hinge lock for about $15 IIRC. So even if it was not locked at the latch, it would deter a thief long enough to make it a little bit safer.

 

That's a good idea. Likely help cut down on this.

 

As GlueGuy said, my 2015 XLT also locks when I lock the doors.

 

Funny, my 2015 XLT does. Maybe because it has a 302a package.

 

That might be it, I have 302a and it says locking tailgate. Shouldn't be optional but at one time so were bumpers lol.

 

The el cheapo 301a package on the 2016 XLT locks both doors and tailgate.

 

To all the 2015 Lariat 501A Pachage and up has an electric tailgate lock which continued through 2017. If i read it right all except the XL will have it in 2018.

 

A pop-n-lock was always one of my first additions to my trucks. It's nice now that the lock comes from the factory. I also have 2 locks on the spare tire. In the city spare tires are stolen all the time probably because it's easy and the police do nothing about it.

 

I added a tailgate assist (dampener) to lower the gate slowly when unlatched. The shock fasteners would maybe deter some would-be-thief, or at least slow him/her down a bit. Works for me.