As parking charges, congestion charges and disabled parking spaces become more limited, thefts of Blue Badges have soared. As Covid-19 emerged, The Department for Transport published figures showing that Blue Badge theft in England had risen by 45% in the previous year.

But is Blue Badge theft a problem in your area? It is considered that by using a Blue Badge in London you can save over £6000 per year on parking, which may go some way to explain the demand for Blue Badges on the Black Market which sell for in the region of £500. However, it’s not a London specific problem – in March 2021, 15 Disability Blue Badges were stolen in a series of ‘smash and grab’ thefts from vehicles in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. Sadly, the issue of Blue Badge theft is nationwide.

Whilst you can usually get your Blue Badge replaced for free from your local Council within 8 weeks, Blue Badge theft can be distressing. Thieves will usually opt for ‘smash and grab’ tactics. They are opportunistic thieves looking for quick and convenient steals. Smashed windscreens, Police reporting, expensive vehicle repairs and increased insurance premiums all make Blue Badge theft very stressful, and if you are a victim of Blue Badge theft you should report it immediately to the Police and seek support from your local Council’s Blue Badge team.

So what can you do to use your Blue Badge safely? How can you help prevent the theft of your Blue Badge and damage to your vehicle? Firstly, you must ensure you only leave your Blue Badge in your vehicle when it is in use and when it is not that the Blue Badge is hidden from view or preferably removed from your vehicle altogether.