DETECTIVES investigating a suspected 'cash for crash' fraud ring have arrested nine people in our area and seized cars worth £150,000.

Raids took place yesterday across Huddersfield and Dewsbury and police also caried out a swoop on a property in Blackburn.


The raids, which took place in Lindley and Crosland Moor in Huddersfield, were part of a investigation named Operation Thatcham.

A police spokesman said they came as a result of a major investigation by Kirklees CID, Proceeds of Crime Officers, the Ministry of Justice and the Insurance Fraud Bureau, into a suspected crash for cash scam that has operated from a business on Blackmoorfoot Road.

During the morning raids, six cars with an estimated value £150,000 were seized.

Officers also retreived cash totalling £20,000 and jewellery with an estimated value of £15,000.

One man remains in custody while the other suspects have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

DI Andy White of Kirklees CID said: "These arrests have come as a result of months of work investigating an alleged crash for cash scam operating in the Huddersfield area.

"The people involved in this organised criminal activity effect us all leading to insurance premiums being inflated to cover these losses. 

"These are serious offences and I would like to use this opportunity to appeal for anyone who feels that they have been a victim of such a scam, or may have been coerced into getting involved in one, to contact DC Mark Lunn on 01924 295311 or via 0845 6060606."

People can also contact the Insurance Fraud Bureau's free and confidential Cheatline with information on insurance fraud.

The IFB can be reached via 0800 328 2550 or online at www.insurancefraudbureau.org/report.