Public warned to secure tailgates after thefts

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. -- The Martin County Sheriff's Office is warning the public to secure their truck tailgates after a rash of tailgate thefts in the county.

The Sheriff's Office says at least 9 tailgate thefts have occurred since July. The stolen tailgates belonged to Ford F-150 and F-250 model trucks.

A stolen tailgate can be worth thousands of dollars if sold online. Police say thieves also sell it for scrap metal.

If a tailgate isn't secured, a thief can remove it in just moments.