Ford trucks aren’t just popular for blue-collar workers, farmers, ranchers, or construction workers. They’re also popular among thieves, as they’ve discovered the taillights on certain Ford trucks are incredibly valuable, easy to access, and easy to remove.

Three men were arrested on February 4 in association with the crime ring, and an investigation determined 34 trucks were hit, making up for $92,000 worth of stolen goods.

Thieves prefer the F-350 Super Duty models, though all high-end trim levels of F-Series trucks are vulnerable. Thieves figured they could lower the tailgate and remove the taillights in just a few minutes. The crimes ran rampant in Houston, Texas, but police suspect it won’t be long for copycat thieves to catch on.

Due to their high retail price range of $4,500 to $6,500 (yes, you read that right), the thieves would sell the parts online at a reduced price and still take home a fat profit. Aftermarket companies developed kits specifically to protect the taillights after thefts became increasingly popular.

Ford is trying to patent a parts theft detection system since it all started ramping up, too.

Why are they so darn expensive?

Well, Pete Bacon, the Webster Chief of Police, says their “high-end” construction and LED lighting is what attracts thieves like moths to a flame.

“These are high-end LED taillights that have sensors in them,” he told KHOU. “So, when you put the vehicle in reverse it can show you a picture of what you’d be backing up into, or a 360-degree view of the vehicle. So, they’re not just lights.”

With the three leaders of the crime ring behind bars, police suspect thefts may slow down. Until then, it’s wise to have cameras installed if you park your truck outside, park it in a garage if possible, and have the police’s number on speed dial.

Viewers say the real crime is the cost of taillights

While many acknowledged it was sad to see truck owners suffer such an expensive theft, more thought the price of the taillights was the true crime.

“The real crime here is charging $5,000 for brake lights,” they wrote.

Another said trucks shouldn’t be that expensive, no matter what trim level.

“$5,000 for a taillight? Screw that, it’s a truck!”

Several came to Ford’s defense, saying they weren’t “just” taillights. However, a majority still felt like truck owners were getting duped.

“Right, but for $5,000, an anti-theft device should deploy or go off when they sense they’re being stolen.”