New crash-for-cash con reported on A518 in Shropshire
Drivers are once again being warned about potential crash-for-cash scams after another incident on Shropshire's roads.
Police from Newport Safer Neighbourhood’s team were called out on Wednesday night to another incident on the roads.
Officers were called to the A518 between the Red House Island at Lilleshall and the Sheep Island at Newport at about 6pm to reports of crash-for-cash attempts involving a silver Ford Mondeo and a black Volvo.
Crash-for-cash scams can involve induced accidents, where fraudsters deliberately target innocent motorists to claim compensation, as well as staged accidents, when two damaged cars are brought together to make it look like an accident.
PC Lee Thomas, from Newport, said: “Police received several calls from drivers stating they believed they had witnessed vehicles trying to cause accidents by breaking sharply for no apparent reason in front of other vehicles at roundabouts on the A518 between Donnington and Newport.
“Police have not had any suspicious collisions reported to them in the area yesterday evening, but this is often the case because the driver of the targeted vehicle generally is not aware of what has happened and just assumes the collision is their fault as they have collided with a vehicle in front of them.”
It’s not the first time that crimes like thisof this nature have been reported on this stretch of road and officers have once again warned motorists to be vigilant against the crime and have suggested some simple steps that can prevent drivers from falling victim to the scam.
Officers from Newport police said drivers should make sure to be aware of hazards at roundabouts and junctions, leave bigger gaps between their car and the car in front and invest in a dash cam which can record
In February, officers released a video showing an attempted crash-for-cash scam which took place last year at the same roundabout.
Anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of a crash-for-cash scam should report the matter to police by visiting their nearest police station or calling 101 and also tell their vehicle insurance company who share information across industry and work with police to target this crime.
