Callous thieves stealing blue parking badges from elderly and disabled in Redbridge
Callous thieves are targeting blue parking badges used by elderly and disabled people.
Between January and December this year, 89 permits were stolen from vehicles in Redbridge, including some cars that were left unlocked.
Speaking to Ilford residents at an area committee seven meeting last week, Sgt Wayne McBride said police are launching a crackdown on theft from vehicles.
He added: “We’ve seen a huge increase in theft from motor vehicles, particularly blue badges.
“Parking charges have gone up so there’s been a rise in taking the badges.”
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The badge scheme aims to help people with severe walking difficulties so that they can leave their vehicles close to shops or other places they need to visit.
Using a badge belonging to someone else when they are not in the car can be punished with a fine of up to £1,000.
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Police advise permit holders to lock car doors and windows whilst the badge is in use and keep the badge out of view or remove it from the vehicle overnight.
