It's probably for the five finger discount. I do everything possible to secure everything that is easily removed from the outside of my vehicles. I use anti-theft screws for my plates (the kind that look like torx screws but with a raised pillar in the middle only a special bit can remove), wheel locks, etc. I guess the next step would be to get the spare tire lock and the free spinning air valve stem caps. I fear for my Toyota wheel caps though. Anybody can just pop those suckers off. Not to mention the wiper blades. Yeah, I'm paranoid but this is my first Runner. My other cars have also been vandalized before - Corolla was broken into, Acura Integra's rear emblem stolen. I need to electrify my cars or something. Thank God I have my own garage now. California is a crazy place.
I still have my orginal hitch plug in its original plastic bag. I never bothered to put it on from day one. I didn't want to worry about someone taking it. I guess leaving the hitch plug off has its advantages as it collects dirt less or not at all and is easier to clean.