Ford F Series taillights wave of taillights plagues Texas-FIPE CARS

Ford F-Series pickups in Texas are being victims of a wave of rear flashlight theft, causing an estimated loss of over $ 92,000. Criminals target sophisticated LED units, which equate the latest models of the F-Series line.

Despite the high value, lanterns can be removed in a matter of seconds, which facilitates the action of thieves. 34 vehicles are estimated to have been affected by the wave of crimes. The high replacement cost of the rear lanterns, which can range from 2,500 to more than $ 6,000, depending on the model and the concessionaire, raises the total value of the losses.

The high value of the lanterns is due to the technology shipped in LED units, present in the latest Ford F-Series models (late 2010 and early 2020). In addition to LED lighting, lanterns incorporate sensors from the blind spot monitoring system, which significantly increases their cost.

The ease of removal also contributes to the occurrence of theft. Even with the rear cover locked, the thieves can unlock it through a small opening, allowing them to access the lantern fixation screws.

Given the problem, some companies are offering solutions to protect rear lanterns. Latchlid, for example, offers metal plates that prevent the rear cover from opening, making it difficult to access the lanterns. According to Margot and Tim McGuire, founders of Latchlid, the idea came up after the lanterns of their F-2550 Platinum 2017 stolen twice in the same year.

Latchlid’s solution is a simple metal plate that fixes the body and partially covers the rear lid mechanism when the lid is pushed to close. The thieves cannot lower the back cover and therefore cannot access the screws that hold the rear lanterns in place.