A 'Crash for Cash' every 4 minutes - Drivers urged to report widespread car crash scams

BEN Fletcher, Director at the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), and Matthew Hussey, T/Detective Inspector at City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), appeared on BBC One's Crimewatch Live to urge viewers to be vigilant to dangerous:- 'Crash for Cash' scams and come forward with evidence. 'Crash for Cash' is a worryingly common insurance scam where fraudsters invent or deliberately cause road traffic collisions, often with innocent people, in an attempt to fraudulently gain financial compensation. IFB analysis suggests every 4 minutes in the UK an insurance claim is linked to suspected:- 'Crash for Cash' activity. The prevalence of these scams puts countless lives at risk and are believed to cost the economy hundreds of millions of pounds each year. Birmingham has been found to be the worst affected area for the scam, with other hotspots including:- Bradford, Manchester, London and Luton. With 'Crash for Cash' scams posing a significant road safety risk and concerns that the continued financial hardship many people are facing might intensify this activity, the IFB and IFED are appealing to drivers to be vigilant.

Ben Fletcher, Director at the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), said:- "Dangerous 'Crash for Cash' scams are taking place every day on Britain's roads, putting everyone at risk. Because times of economic hardship are known to fuel fraudulent behaviour, it's sadly unlikely that we'll see fraudsters slowing down in their attempts to commit car crash scams anytime soon. We're determined to stop these reckless insurance scams and bring perpetrators to justice; but we need the public's help. We're urging everyone to be on their guard for 'Crash for Cash' activity, and to report any evidence of it immediately."

T/Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Hill at City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said:- "'Crash for Cash' truly is the lowest of the low when it comes to insurance fraud. Committing fraud for financial gain is inexcusable, but putting the safety of innocent road users at risk is unforgiveable. Whilst IFED will always work hard to combat this type of fraud and protect drivers, we also encourage the public to learn some of the tell tale signs of 'Crash for Cash' fraudsters. We hope that the advice given by IFED and the IFB on Crimewatch Live will help viewers to understand what to look out for on the roads to avoid these scams. If you think that you have been targeted, it is crucial that you report your suspicions."

The IFB is a not for profit organisation which acts as a counter fraud intelligence hub for the insurance industry, to detect suspicious behaviour and carry out ops with UK Police forces to disrupt fraud networks.

Investigations into:- 'Crash for Cash' scams have uncovered countless instances where innocent people have sustained injuries and in some cases, tragically died from the scam.

'Crash for Cash' scams are typically carried out by fraudsters who slam on their brake at busy junctions and roundabouts so the driver behind won't stop in time. Sometimes this is done with an accomplice in a 2nd vehicle driving erratically in front, so they can divert the victim's suspicions by saying the driver in front (who has since fled the scene) caused the accident.

They are also known to encourage other drivers to pull out of side roads or wait until they creep forward for a better view, only to crash into the side of them. It is recommended that drivers always keep a good distance from the vehicle in front and are cautious when pulling out of side roads, to avoid being induced into a collision. If someone suspects they've been involved in a:- 'Crash for Cash' common signs can include the other vehicle having pre-existing damage, such as rear dents. The driver or their passengers may appear to be unphased or exaggerate injuries after a collision. Pre-written insurance details might also be handed out.

Reporting 'Crash for Cash' scams... Remember to note as much information as possible about the driver, any passengers and circumstances of the collision. This can include:- written information, pictures, dashcam footage and noting CCTV in the area.

Suspicions of a:- 'Crash for Cash' scam should be reported to your local Police Force, the IFB's confidential and anonymous Cheatline (powered by CrimeStoppers) on:- 08004220421 or at:- InsuranceFraudBureau.Org, and Action Fraud at:- Police.UK or on:- 03001232040.

76 new life enhancing Changing Places toilets to be built across the North West

THOUSANDS of severely disabled people who need specialised facilities when they are out and about will benefit from 76 new Changing Places toilets across the North West The Chancellor confirmed in his Spring Statement over ₤23.5 million has been allocated to 191 Councils across England to install over 500 life enhancing Changing Places toilets in public places and tourist attractions, dramatically increasing accessibility in areas where users want them most. There are currently just over 1,300 registered Changing Places toilets in England; these are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as:- hoists, curtains, adult sized changing benches, and space for carers. The package will bring the total number of Changing Places toilets to 1,813. An additional ₤6.5 million will be allocated in a further round later in 2022 and will focus on areas where there is little or no access to Changing Places toilets.

Ministerial Disability Champion Eddie Hughes MP said:- "It goes without saying that people with severe disabilities, their families and carers should be able to go shopping, plan a day out or travel without needing to worry about whether they will have access to suitable toilet facilities. I'm delighted that our funding today will help provide over 500 new Changing Places Toilets in England, enabling people to enjoy everything their local area has to offer with dignity and freedom."

In a study by the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers in 2021 families and carers said the top locations where these facilities should be made available were country parks, open spaces, tourist attractions and transport networks, as the journey to the destination is a key factor in planning a day out. The top venues were beaches and the seaside, Motorway Services and parks or gardens.

New facilities will now be built in the following venues:-

► Public parks and open spaces.

► Tourist attractions including:- historic properties, seaside resorts and zoos.

► Cathedrals.

► Museums, theatres, and galleries.

► Shopping malls.

► Libraries and public buildings.

Zack Kerr (26) from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire is a Changing Places Campaigner:- "I have been a changing places campaigner for over 5 years now and changing places toilets are quite simply life-changing for me, and for so many people with disabilities or additional needs. Life can be difficult enough in many ways, but when there are no accessible toilet facilities where I can be hoisted safely from my wheelchair and changed in privacy and with dignity, I face the choice staying at home or restricting my social life because of my needs. That's just not fair. No 1 should have to face these decisions because of the lack of basic toilet facilities, but whenever we want to leave our homes for a trip to the cinema, to a concert, for a day trip, to travel to see friends and family, or just to go shopping, we are faced with these difficult choices. I'm so pleased that the Government have made this funding available to local authorities all over England to increase the number of changing places available in our towns and cities and especially in places that we can visit with our friends and family for days out. It's going to make such a difference to my life and it makes all our campaigning work so worthwhile."

Muscular Dystrophy UK co-chairs the Changing Places consortium and has been heavily involved throughout this process. The charity will be providing specialist expertise to support local Councils that are awarded funding. This expertise will include:

► Dedicated advice and information and Changing Places Officers to support Council.

► Changing Places manual and training.

► Connecting authorities and facilitating a collaborative network of support.

► Signposting to suppliers and installation companies.

Robert Burley, Director of Care, Communications and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:- "Today's announcement is life-changing news for the thousands of people and families who rely on Changing Places toilets when they are in public, because being able to use a toilet that is suitable for your needs is a basic human right. We've provided specialist support to the Levelling Up department throughout this process, and we're really pleased that local authorities will soon be told the outcome of their application. We look forward to supporting Councils that have been awarded the funding with their Changing Places toilet installations, because they really do make a world of difference to those who depend on them."

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