Police have warned disabled motorists of a spike in blue badge thefts after five were stolen during car break-ins.

The incidents have all been since August 9, and on three occasions badges were nabbed from vehicles parked outside the owner’s address overnight.

Inspector Dan Jones, who leads the Watford Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We’re urging those with disabled parking permits to remove them from their vehicles overnight, because we’ve identified a crime series where we believe vehicles have been targeted specifically for the badges.”

Between 5pm on August 9 and 6.30am the following day, a black Vauxhall Astra was broken into on Estcourt Road. A blue disabled badge was taken, along with some coins and tools. (Crime reference: 41/64178/23)

Watford Observer: Cars are being targeted in Watford for disabled blue badges.Cars are being targeted in Watford for disabled blue badges. (Image: Jakub Pabis/ Pexels)

Overnight between 9pm on August 14 and 11am on 15 August, a grey Skoda was broken into on Lower Paddock Road. Sunglasses and a blue disabled badge were taken. (41/65358/23)

A blue disabled badge was also stolen from a Hyundai i20 in Bermer Road between 1.30pm and 3.45pm on August 15. (41/65788/23)

Between 9.30pm on 16 August and 3.30pm on August 17, a blue disabled badge was stolen from a white Vauxhall in St Albans Road’s Asda car park. (41/66091/23)

A badge was also taken between 3pm on August 18 and 1pm the next day from a grey Honda in Raphael Drive. (41/66644/23)

“We know these permits are a lifeline for those with reduced or limited mobility and without one, it can sometimes be impossible for them to carry out their day-to-day activities,” Inspector Jones added.

Information can be reported via non-emergency number 101.