Police warn of rise in staged road traffic accidents

The Metropolitan Police has warned of an increase in deliberately induced road collisions in the M25 area.

In a statement, the Met said: "The Metropolitan Police area is one of a number of regions within the UK that is experiencing a high level of deliberately induced road collisions.

"Organised criminal groups are targeting companies who operate vehicle fleets within the M25 area by deliberately causing collisions in order to defraud their insurers.

"Operation Catcher is a Metropolitan Police initiative, intended to identify an offence when it happens, prosecute the offenders and, as a result, reduce the incidence of this type of crime."

Roger Ball, head of commercial motor and motor trade, Allianz Commercial, said: "The targeting of innocent motorists by fraudsters is a significant and growing risk to the insurance industry. Commercial and business vehicles are prime targets as they are often easily identifiable.

"Both Insurers and brokers can help clients by providing advice to those operating in UK regions that are experiencing a high level of deliberately induced road collisions, and are potential victims of this fraudulent activity.

"The special operation initiated by the Met Police highlights the seriousness of this issue which is increasing the premiums paid by the honest public."