Thames Valley: Raids On Insurance Fraud

9 October 2013, 11:40 | Updated: 9 October 2013, 11:44

Three people have been arrested in High Wycombe by raids across the country targeting insurance fraud.

Heart's being told a total of 27 were arrested in countrywide dawn raids in a crackdown on "ghost broking'' - the sale of fake car insurance policies. 

The raids follow months of investigation by its insurance fraud enforcement department (IFED) with 28 warrants were executed in Leicestershire, London, Manchester, Thames Valley, and the West Midlands early this morning in an operation that involved 168 officers. 

Ghost brokers often target young drivers by offering cheap deals. But anyone who buys one of their policies finds themselves driving without insurance, which could lead to their car being seized by police, fines, penalties and a criminal record. Uninsured drivers also have to pick up the bill for any damage or injuries they cause in a crash. 

IFED head Detective Chief Inspector Dave Wood said: "This day of action reveals ghost broking to be a UK-wide problem which is being met by a national law enforcement response, led by IFED. "The consequences for innocent motorists who fall victims to ghost brokers can be dire, so it is absolutely vital that drivers shopping for car insurance online, or through other means, question what they are being offered to ensure they get a real deal. ``Driver diligence, coupled with enforcement action being taken by IFED and supported by local forces, is the best way to confront this threat now and in the future.''