Tenfold Increase in Blue Badge Thefts in Ealing Borough

Call for action after surge over last five years

473 permits were stolen in 2013 many by smashing car windows

July 29, 2024

Ealing Council is being urged to take action after figures show there has been an explosion of theft of Blue Badges over the last five years.

The borough is in the top ten in London for the number of parking permits for disabled people issued. In 2019, 42 Blue Badges were stolen but the latest figures for 2023 show this has increased to 473. For the whole of London, there were 6,415 permits taken last year compared to 1,230 in 2014.

The matter was raised at a council meeting last Tuesday (23 July) when a member of the public, Matt Mellor asked what was being done to tackle Blue Badge theft and support victims.

Miranda Mellor a wheelchair user and Ealing resident had her Blue Badge stolen this April when thieves made a "smash and grab" when her car was parked in a disabled parking bay outside her home.

She said, "I'm a wheelchair user so public transport is not that accessible. I had to use taxis which costs and meant lots of the admin too.

"Not only did I have to sort myself out, getting to and from work in a taxi, but also getting the kids to and from school became difficult.”

The impact of this was huge and she describes the Blue Badge and access to her car as “a lifeline” which impacts all areas of her life.

Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Gary Malcolm points out that this crime often affects those on the lowest incomes and carries a cost of between £150 and £1000 (depending on which window, specification, make and model of car), plus a knock on effects for insurance premiums.

Some permit holders are increasingly taking issues into their own hands by using cardboard notes with blue badge reference information in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) to deter thieves. However, this sometimes results in them receiving a ticket.

Miranda Mellor describes her Blue Badge as a 'lifeline'

Cllr Malcolm said, “The Liberal Democrats are shocked at how little is being done to address this serious issue which impacts some of the most vulnerable in the borough and comes on the heels of the recent betrayal experienced by vulnerable users of care line. We urge Ealing Labour to show leadership and implement cost effective solutions adopted by other councils which have cut Blue Badge thefts. Liberal Democrats say that there is a new Labour Government in power in Downing Street but is the same old mismanagement and complacency at Perceval House.”

An Ealing Council spokesperson said, “Sadly, the theft and fraudulent use of blue badges is on the rise, both nationally and in our borough. In 2023, almost 500 blue badges were stolen, compared to 78 in 2018, and the number of thefts rose steadily in the intervening years.

“We want to ensure that blue badges are available to the people who really rely on them for support. That is why we always take tough action against people who commit blue badge fraud, and in recent months, more than 20 people have been taken to court. As blue badges are so important to their users, we always work to replace blue badges that are reported stolen as quickly as possible.

“In addition to checking their validity, we have taken several steps to address blue badge theft in the borough. We offer a free resident parking permit, which allows the resident to park in the zone where they live without needing to display a blue badge in their vehicle. If a resident has a dedicated blue badge bay outside their property, we offer a disabled bay permit. We also advise badge holders who have been a victim of theft to consider purchasing a blue badge lock once they receive their new badge.

“If you suspect someone of using a blue badge fraudulently or want to report your blue badge as lost or stolen, you can call the council on 020 8825 8161.”

Written with contributions from Noah Vickers - Local Democracy Reporter