Imagine grabbing your keys and walking to your parked truck, only to find it’s gone. Unfortunately, this scenario has played out far too many times. In 2023 alone, over 15,800 Ford pickup trucks were stolen, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. One reason Ford trucks are targeted is because they are popular and commonly found in neighborhoods across the country.

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A robust V8 like the automaker’s 7.3L engine — one of the most reliable Ford Power Stroke diesel engines ever — is also a powerful tool in the hands of a thief. Additionally, some of the older models don’t have the enhanced security measures found in newer pickups, making them more vulnerable. The door locks don’t offer the protection many drivers expect. However, you can take steps to prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

Anti-theft devices are not impenetrable, but they can make it significantly harder for a thief to get away with your vehicle. On the subject of theft, Sergeant Steve French of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office explained in an interview with KVAL-13, “Thieves are generally lazy and don’t want to get caught. They look for the easiest target.” Advances in vehicle security, such as Ford’s passive anti-theft system with SecuriLock, are making trucks a much less attractive target.

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The vulnerable door locks on older Ford trucks make them vulnerable to thieves. Criminals can tamper with and damage the locking mechanism, potentially gaining access to the cab. While this can happen with older cars, the lack of modern security measures and Ford’s door handle design on Super Duty pickups allow for easier entry. Once inside, older F-250s and F-350s have an ignition system that gives car thieves few hurdles to overcome before they can steal the vehicle. The most commonly stolen models are from 2002 to 2007, as they did not come with an immobilizer from the factory.

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If you happen to own an older Ford Power Stroke diesel, there are some aftermarket security devices that can make your truck more of a problem than it’s worth to most criminals. Products like the LockCap can hide the lock cylinder behind a cover, making it look like it’s been removed entirely. You can also add steel plates around the lock and handle that are specifically made to protect against tampering or damage. And finally, a GPS tracking device can help law enforcement track and recover your truck should the additional security measures fail.

Ford’s newer trucks are equipped with an anti-theft alarm and a passive anti-theft system, making them less attractive targets for thieves. If someone tries to get into the vehicle without using the fob’s remote function or the key itself, or entering a code on the keypad, the alarm will go off. Once activated, the anti-theft system will sound the horn and flash the turn signals repeatedly.

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Another feature called SecuriLock requires the vehicle’s key fob to start. The key fob has a unique code that must be given to the truck when entering the cab, or the engine will not start. The best part is that it automatically arms and disarms without the driver having to do anything. Unfortunately, criminals are getting more creative with new anti-theft measures, such as the unexpected way thieves now use the headlights to get into your vehicle. However, one Super Duty owner found a very simple security solution, explaining, “We parked the cheaper vehicle behind the more expensive one.”