This pensioner has become the latest victim of a spate of thefts of disabled parking badges.

Police have revealed that one in every five cars broken into in Brighton and Hove is being targeted solely for the blue badges, which allow motorists to park free almost anywhere in the city, Sussex and throughout the UK and Europe.

They are changing hands on the black market for up to £100.

Retired painter and decorator Bob Williams, 75, said: "I could have cried when I saw what they'd done."

Drug users looking for quick cash for their next fix are thought to be behind the thefts.

Of the 20 cars belonging to disabled people broken into in the city since December, 19 had only the blue badges taken.

Mr Williams, whose knees are riddled with arthritis, had his badge stolen last week outside his home in Albion Hill, Brighton.

He said: "I found a flint stone they'd used to smash the window. The interior was smothered in glass and flooded with water where the rain got in.

"But that's nothing compared to the inconvenience. Until I receive a new badge, I have to pay to park in regular car park spots, sometimes a long way from the shops."

He said: "To say I'm angry is an understatement. You can't print what I think of the thieves."

He warned: "I've learned my lesson - never leave the badge in your car unless you have to use it to park."

Police last night urged owners to step up security and report anyone acting suspiciously near their vehicles.

Sussex Police have teamed up with Brighton and Hove City Council to launch Operation Bluebird.

Joint patrols by police and parking enforcement officers have been organised to identify and prosecute non-disabled drivers using the badges.

Groups representing the disabled are backing the initiative.

A council spokeswoman said: "Misuse of the badges devalues the quality of the scheme for genuine disabled people."

PC Chris Thompson said: "Theft of blue badges is accounting for 20 per cent of all thefts from unattended vehicles. Combine this with people using badges fraudulently and the number of spaces left for those who need them is greatly reduced.

"The people who do this may not think they are causing a problem but using a blue badge fraudulently is an offence."

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the environment committee, said: "Ensuring access to the city for all is a top priority for the parking enforcement teams. People who fraudulently use blue badges are not only committing an offence but also depriving others from being able to shop or enjoy other facilities in the city."

The council spokeswoman said information about badges reported lost or stolen was being passed to parking attendants and vehicles seen displaying them would be removed to the city car pound.

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070 999.