tailgate theft is so bad, cops are putting out tips on how to prevent them from getting stolen (sure would be cool if police would shut down the car parts black market instead, but you know, that's just their JOB)

Use a hose clamp around the bottom hinge point, it will prevent the tail gate from it's designed function of simple dissasembly.

https://www.powernationtv.com/post/cheap-trick-for-your-pickup-that-could-end-up-saving-you-hundreds