Assembly wants more training for the Met to respond to Blue Badge thefts

The London Assembly today recognised Disability Awareness Day, and wider UK Disability History Month, as an important occasion to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights and independence of disabled individuals.

Blue Badge theft is an extremely serious crime. Perpetrators seek out and victimise disabled people, ultimately robbing them of their independence. Stolen badges are often sold illegally, putting individuals with disabilities at further risk of crime and exploitation.

The London Assembly has called for The Mayor and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to advocate for the Met to give additional training to officers in identifying and responding to Blue Badge theft, to prevent these crimes and ensure that victims receive appropriate support.

Marina Ahmad AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"Blue Badges are not just permits — they’re lifelines that enable independence, dignity, and full participation in our communities for disabled Londoners.

“The alarming rise in Blue Badge theft is a serious crime that strips Londoners of their mobility and exposes them to further risks.

“We must act. From increased police training to streamlined replacement processes and better safeguards, there is much more we can do.

“We call on the Mayor, the Met, and all London councils to work together to protect disabled motorists and ensure that those responsible for these crimes face the full force of the law.

“Let this be a clear message during Disability Awareness Day and UK Disability History Month: we will stand firm against injustice and champion the rights of disabled Londoners."

The full text of the motion is:

This Assembly notes that:

Blue Badges are crucial for enabling mobility and accessibility for disabled individuals, providing access to essential services, employment, and community participation. However, it concerns the Assembly that Blue Badge theft has quadrupled over the past decade.

Blue Badge theft is an extremely serious crime. Perpetrators seek out and victimise disabled people, ultimately robbing them of their independence. Reports from badge holders and advocacy groups have highlighted the impact of Blue Badge theft, including instances of harassment and targeting. Stolen badges are often sold illegally, putting individuals with disabilities at further risk of crime and exploitation.

This Assembly recognises Disability Awareness Day, and wider UK Disability History Month, as an important occasion to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights and independence of disabled individuals. In this spirit, we encourage all authorities to proactively protect the rights of disabled motorists and apply the full force of the law to those who target them. We emphasise the importance of taking further action to prevent Blue Badge theft and support those affected by these crimes.

This Assembly calls for:

1. The Mayor and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to advocate for the Met to give additional training to officers in identifying and responding to Blue Badge theft, to prevent these crimes and ensure that victims receive appropriate support.

2. The Mayor and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to launch an awareness campaign informing Londoners of best practices for safeguarding their Blue Badges with increased access to secure Blue Badge protectors.

3. All London councils to follow the lead set by the London Boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Waltham Forest and give their parking departments access to the enforcement module of the Blue Badges database provided by the Department for Transport. This will enable thousands of Council staff to identify vehicles with stolen badges.

4. All London councils to streamline processes for the replacement of Blue Badges, so that disabled people are not left immobile for an extended period.

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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