Aftermarket Lights Theft?

Is this even a thing? I’m starting to hear more of people’s aftermarket lights getting stolen. Thinking again about getting some aftermarket fogs for my daily driver but unsure if it means being targeted. Having improved lighting would be great but if light theft is trending I’ll make do with the OEs.

 

Any small and valuable item that's easily removeable from a nice 4Runner or Wrangler is always a target for theft. Add-on lighting is no exception. I don't believe it's a bigger thing now than it has been in the past, but it's always been a thing.

 

Getting the passenger side fog light out isn't a 5 minute job for someone that hasn't done it before. If they try that side first, good chance they give up quick.

The odds that someone tries to steal your fog lights is slim. If you want new fogs, I'd just get 'em. Life is short. And probably nobody is gonna steal your fog lights.

 

BTW @Scarif_1 -
My opinion above assumed the aftermarket fogs you were talking about would be surface mounted like the picture I attached below. But if you're just talking upgrading the fog lights in the existing housings, I'd completely agree with @4runningMan's assessment - they're too hard to remove to be at risk.

 

Parking in the garage is another option.

 

WHAT ABOUT WHEN IM IN DA MALL?

 

Mail order.

 

Theft is a "thing" everywhere, is someone going to steal the fog lights out of the stock location on a 4Runner? Probably not.. Rigid fog lights, a little over $400, go for it!

 

I parked at a restaurant in south St. Louis with my Tacoma OR , when I came out, my mudflaps were gone. I understood why they would steal them when I had to replace all 4, not cheap.

 

Thieves may steal your OEM lights as well, with "surgical precision": https://www.reddit.com/r/Porsche/co...can_turismo_brutal_headlight_theft/?rdt=45496



But no, if you have a newer-year 5th gen, don't worry about it. Thieves are probably already canvassing the whole vehicle and lining up buyers in Nigeria. Lights will be the least of your concerns.