Barnet Council and Met Police clamp down on Blue Badge fraud

A joint day of action by Barnet Council and the Metropolitan Police Service tackled anti-social behaviour, environmental crime, Blue Badge misuse and other community safety concerns

Two men in hi-viz facing a police van — Police and council officers on the enforcement action day – (Credit – Barnet Council)

Barnet Council has held a ‘day of action’ to tackle anti-social behaviour and other community safety challenges.

The operation brought together the council’s community safety team, corporate anti-fraud team and parking services alongside Metropolitan Police officers for patrols across Hendon.

Officers engaged with residents and businesses, gathering intelligence about local concerns while carrying out targeted enforcement activity.

Barnet Council leader Cllr Barry Rawlings said: “Our residents rightly expect us to take action against the issues that can have a real impact on their neighbourhoods, from anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping to the fraudulent misuse of Blue Badges.

“I’d like to thank all the officers involved and the residents and businesses who took the time to speak to them and share information.

“We will continue working with our partners to make Barnet a safer, cleaner and more welcoming borough for everyone.”

The council shared results from the day, which included ten fly-tips identified and investigated and two fly-posting offences identified.

Of the 27 Blue Badges checked, two were seized, and 18 penalty charge notices were issued. Reports were submitted for graffiti removal and highway damage.

One man was arrested. He was wanted by the courts and was found in possession of cannabis. Stop-and-search outcomes linked to cannabis possession were also recorded.

The operation also gave council and police teams an opportunity to speak directly with local people about their concerns and gather information to inform future enforcement and community safety activity.

You can find out more about community safety, what is being done to prevent fraud and who to contact if you suspect it in Barnet on the council’s website at www.barnet.gov.uk.

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

ACT NOW!

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.