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Blue badge thefts 'double in a year' Blue badge thefts 'double in a year'
(about 4 hours later)
Thefts of blue parking badges used by disabled drivers have more than doubled in a year in England, figures suggest.Thefts of blue parking badges used by disabled drivers have more than doubled in a year in England, figures suggest.
The latest Department for Transport data shows a 167% increase, from 656 thefts in 2012/13 to 1,756 in 2013/14.The latest Department for Transport data shows a 167% increase, from 656 thefts in 2012/13 to 1,756 in 2013/14.
Blue badges entitle drivers to free parking in pay and display bays and allow them to park in disabled zones.Blue badges entitle drivers to free parking in pay and display bays and allow them to park in disabled zones.
The Local Government Association, which estimates a badge could be worth at least £6,000 a year in saved parking fees, said the rise was "alarming".The Local Government Association, which estimates a badge could be worth at least £6,000 a year in saved parking fees, said the rise was "alarming".
Thieves steal the badges to sell them on the black market or use them to get free parking, said the association, which represents councils.Thieves steal the badges to sell them on the black market or use them to get free parking, said the association, which represents councils.
At least 2.5 million disabled people hold blue badges, which are issued by local authorities, in the UK.At least 2.5 million disabled people hold blue badges, which are issued by local authorities, in the UK.
In London, holders are exempt from the congestion charge, saving them around £2,500 a year.In London, holders are exempt from the congestion charge, saving them around £2,500 a year.
'Robbing disabled people''Robbing disabled people'
Earlier this month Haji Ahmed, 90, who has limited mobility, had his blue badge stolen from his son's car.Earlier this month Haji Ahmed, 90, who has limited mobility, had his blue badge stolen from his son's car.
His son Waleed Butt, from Chigwell, Essex, had taken Mr Ahmed out for a meal and parked his car legally in a disabled bay.His son Waleed Butt, from Chigwell, Essex, had taken Mr Ahmed out for a meal and parked his car legally in a disabled bay.
His car window was smashed and the badge stolen while they were away. He was also given a £100 parking ticket.His car window was smashed and the badge stolen while they were away. He was also given a £100 parking ticket.
Mr Butt said: "It's just unfair that disabled people are being targeted in this way - it's disgusting."Mr Butt said: "It's just unfair that disabled people are being targeted in this way - it's disgusting."
Other examples from the past year highlighted by the association include:Other examples from the past year highlighted by the association include:
Peter Fleming, Local Government Association deputy chairman, said the "callous" thieves were "robbing disabled people" of independence.Peter Fleming, Local Government Association deputy chairman, said the "callous" thieves were "robbing disabled people" of independence.
"It is staggering how low some people are stooping simply to con a few hours of free parking," he said."It is staggering how low some people are stooping simply to con a few hours of free parking," he said.
Misuse of a blue badge has a maximum fine on conviction of £1,000.Misuse of a blue badge has a maximum fine on conviction of £1,000.
Local councils in England and Wales successfully prosecuted 565 people last year.Local councils in England and Wales successfully prosecuted 565 people last year.
People who are registered blind, have a disability that limits their mobility and drivers with a severe disability in both arms are among those eligible for a blue badge.People who are registered blind, have a disability that limits their mobility and drivers with a severe disability in both arms are among those eligible for a blue badge.
Are you a blue badge holder? Has someone stolen it from you in the past? You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your story.
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