Copenhagen police investigate online sale of stolen disability parking permits

A blue sign with a wheelchair symbol displayed in a vehicle typically indicates that the driver has a disability. However, it may also signify that the sign has been stolen and purchased as stolen goods online. Closed Facebook groups, which have come to light, are reportedly facilitating sales of these blue disability cards, with one listed for 1,500 Danish kroner.

Copenhagen Police are aware of the theft of these cards but find the fact that they are openly sold on Facebook to be particularly alarming. Vice Police Inspector Simon Hansen remarked on the lack of sympathy for such transactions, stating that even discussing the sale of a disability card in public would be unacceptable, making online sales even more disgraceful. The police are monitoring the situation to determine if action is needed.

The Danish Disability Organizations issue these special parking permits based on medical certificates that confirm mobility issues. Holders of these cards have access to designated parking spaces and may also enjoy free or cheaper parking elsewhere. Katrine Mandrup Tang, director of the Danish Disability Organizations, has noted a rise in vehicle break-ins aimed at stealing these permits for resale. She expressed her shock at their direct sale on Facebook, emphasizing that using a stolen card affects those genuinely reliant on such resources for daily activities.

Stolen cards are reported as invalid, which can be verified during inspections by parking authorities or police. Mandrup Tang highlighted the illegal nature of using these permits, which involves documentation fraud. She anticipates that upcoming changes, prompted by EU directives, will introduce QR codes and other security measures to combat misuse.

Authorities urge individuals to report such sales on social media and advise against purchasing these stolen items, warning that engaging in this type of crime, even within closed groups, is unlawful. Facebook’s Nordic policy chief confirmed that the platform regularly removes groups violating its guidelines and has taken down the problematic ones linked to this issue.