Handicap Placard Stolen on Chesapeake Drive, Police Say

The Havre de Grace Police Department reported there was only one report of a crime that occurred in the city between Tuesday, Nov. 18, and Thursday, Nov. 20.

A handicap placard was stolen from the 1000 block of Chesapeake Drive, reported at 5:11 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

This type of theft has occurred before in the city. In April, police said a handicap placard was taken from a vehicle on Wilson Street.

Anyone who misuses a parking placard intended for people with disabilities is subject to a fine of up to $500, according to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

Police in Baltimore advised citizens a couple of years ago not to leave their handicap placards in their vehicles when they go inside, North Baltimore Patch reported.

Approximately 2,000 are stolen annually in Baltimore, where placards have a street value of up to $200, according to WJZ.

Because of a spike in the theft of handicap placards, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration began allowing police during traffic stops to check its databases to find out whether the person with the placard was its rightful owner, The Baltimore Sun reported.

To avoid becoming a victim of theft, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office advises citizens not to leave valuables in sight in their vehicles and to lock the doors.

Photo credit: Alisha Vargas via Flickr.

Do you have a news tip? Email elizabeth.janney@patch.com.

See Also:

• Missing Boater’s Body Found in Havre de Grace
• Checks Stolen, Phone Box Damaged: Havre de Grace Police Blotter
• Handicap Placard Stolen: Havre de Grace Police Blotter