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In the United States, taillights have begun to be stolen en masse from the best-selling vehicle on the market – the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
Thus, in Texas, a criminal group was uncovered that stole rear lights from 34 cars. Between September 2024 and January 2025, lights worth a total of more than $92 were stolen. Three suspects were arrested and charged with organizing a criminal community. According to the documents, the new Ford F-350s with LED lights were most affected.
The Texas Police Department writes that the theft of headlights occurs in a matter of minutes: thieves simply need to gain access to the back of the pickup truck, and removing the lighting equipment can be done without special skills. The arrested criminals are charged with 34 episodes, but in reality the thefts are much more, and Ford F-Series owners are being warned about the problem.
Victims claim that replacing the lights is expensive: depending on the configuration, rear optics for pickups cost from $ 4500 to $ 6500. The chief of police in Webster, Texas, noted that criminals mainly choose cars with expensive lights. Law enforcement agencies advise consulting with a Ford dealer on how to protect the lights without losing the warranty. In the US, metal plates have already begun to be offered that prevent the quick removal of lighting equipment.
American journalists noted that the wave of lamp thefts may affect owners of Ford F-Series in the 13th and 14th generations, that is, we are talking about fresh cars that are no more than 6-7 years old. Criminals are interested in lighting equipment with blind spot monitoring sensors: it is significantly more expensive. Monthly sales of Ford F-Series are up to 70 thousand copies, so this time the criminals chose a truly mass model.
