Vehicle parts theft back on the rise -- Slate Vulnerability?

[AeroWolf]

Slight Insomnia got me browsing msn news feed with following article.
Ford owners hit with thousands in losses as tire thieves target trucks across America

Basic synopsis is organized theft rings targeting high trim level vehicle components for resell on secondary markets with large parts backlogs. The popular F-150 was mentioned in particular due to relatively easy to remove taillight assemblies, along with the high trim level wheels, tires, lighting kits, and etc.

This got me thinking about Slate vulnerabilities. I have seen plenty of internet boards and youtubers point out the visible body panel bolts. I believe the fears stoked by those pointing at the bolts are highly overblown. Stealing these panels would mean the Slate would have to be a popular success, otherwise no parts market and bulky plastic panels are not very lucrative for scrap for the removal effort.

The key Slate vulnerabilities would be wheels and tires for resell on general secondary markets. And potentially, the high-power cables on scrap metal market.

Thinking about this issue make me wander about vulnerabilities I am not seeing?

 

[Tom Sawyer]

You're not the first to worry about theft; it's a recurring theme.

Here's some previous discussions on the subject:
Thoughts/insights on exterior tampering / parts theft?
DIY vs OFT (Open For Theft)
The "Panel Theft" Panic

 

[ElectricShitbox]

Everything is stealable. Keep your insurance up to date.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Slight Insomnia got me browsing msn news feed with following article.
Ford owners hit with thousands in losses as tire thieves target trucks across America

Basic synopsis is organized theft rings targeting high trim level vehicle components for resell on secondary markets with large parts backlogs. The popular F-150 was mentioned in particular due to relatively easy to remove taillight assemblies, along with the high trim level wheels, tires, lighting kits, and etc.

This got me thinking about Slate vulnerabilities. I have seen plenty of internet boards and youtubers point out the visible body panel bolts. I believe the fears stoked by those pointing at the bolts are highly overblown. Stealing these panels would mean the Slate would have to be a popular success, otherwise no parts market and bulky plastic panels are not very lucrative for scrap for the removal effort.

The key Slate vulnerabilities would be wheels and tires for resell on general secondary markets. And potentially, the high-power cables on scrap metal market.

Thinking about this issue make me wander about vulnerabilities I am not seeing?

The vehicles with high theft rates have huge markets for what was stolen. Gonna be a long time if ever before used/stolen factory slate wheels have people lining up.

 

[Sparkie]

Slight Insomnia got me browsing msn news feed with following article.
Ford owners hit with thousands in losses as tire thieves target trucks across America
...

Thinking about this issue make me wander about vulnerabilities I am not seeing?

My Ford truck has key-locked lug nuts and I will put them on my Slate too.
But like @ElectricShitbox already said, I keep my insurance updated.

 

[4hotshoes]

Well, at least there won't be a catalytic converter to steal.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

My Ford truck has key-locked lug nuts and I will put them on my Slate too.
But like @ElectricShitbox already said, I keep my insurance updated.

Gorilla sells sets of 20 matching lug nuts that need a matching socket to remove. I use those on vehicles.

Anything can be stolen, but having to defeat 5 on each wheel is significantly less pleasant/safe/cheap for thieves than dealing with 1 on each wheel.

And a twofer benefit if the vehicle came with the typical two layered factory nuts that eventually distort to not work with called for size sockets.

 

[cadblu]

Well, the good news is someone can’t just walk up and pull your body panels off, even though fasteners are visible on the the outside. Removing a panel completely is a bit more involved. There are additional concealed attachment points, so it takes additional time and fully unlocked access to do it properly.

 

[pdxmotorhead]

My Ford truck has key-locked lug nuts and I will put them on my Slate too.
But like @ElectricShitbox already said, I keep my insurance updated.

Ever notice how long a tire shop takes to get the "locking" lugs off? Its minutes,, I used to get stuck removing them when I warked at a garage.. Note I am not going to post how.. I could do all 4 wheels in < 10 minutes..