Two popular Greater Manchester postcodes have been named on the list of ‘crash for cash’ hotspots across the UK.
A new analysis by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) – which helps insurers and police forces fight fraud – has this week revealed that Manchester (M8) and Oldham (OL8) are among the top 30 postcodes in the country where ‘crash for cash’ have been reported to take place, appearing at number 14 and 16 respectively.
The new research has been carried out to help disrupt organised fraud networks.
The term ‘crash for cash’ is an insurance scam where fraudsters deliberately cause dangerous road collisions and often target innocent people in a bid to claim compensation and the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).
Of 2.7 million motor insurance claims made across the UK in between the start of October 2019 and the end of 2020, the IFB has identified more than 170,000 claims which could be linked to suspected crash for cash networks.
Birmingham and Bradford remain the most prevalent areas in the UK for the dangerous scam, accounting for seven of the 30 postcodes.
The IFB said it hoped that, by pinpointing crash for cash hotspots, people would be encouraged to be vigilant as more drivers start to take to the roads.
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IFB investigations have found that single gangs could potentially be behind thousands of orchestrated collisions in some areas, with the combined value of their fraudulent claims running into the millions.
In 2019, it was estimated that crash for cash was costing insurers £340 million annually.
The 30 Postcodes With The Most ‘Crash For Cash’ Incidents
B25 Birmingham
B34 Birmingham
B8 Birmingham
BD7 Bradford
BD3 Bradford
WS1 Walsall
BB9 Blackburn
BD8 Bradford
B27 Birmingham
RM18 Romford
B33 Birmingham
WF13 Wakefield
BD15 Bradford
OL8 Oldham
HX1 Halifax
M8 Manchester
LS8 Leeds
N9 North London
WF16 Wakefield
LU3 Luton
WS2 Walsall
BD2 Bradford
BD5 Bradford
B11 Birmingham
HP12 High Wycombe
B28 Birmingham
RM8 Romford
LU4 Luton
IG3 Ilford
BD9 Bradford
Speaking on the revealing of the top 30 list, Ben Fletcher – Director at the IFB – said: “Crash for cash fraudsters bring devastation to countless victims and increase motor insurance costs for us all.
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“The IFB’s hotspots analysis is a stark reminder that although great strides have been taken in tackling the problem, these car crash scams are all too common.
“As traffic levels return to normal following the national lockdown, crash for cash fraudsters may look to make up for lost time. It is hoped that by shining a spotlight on the issue we will encourage road users to be alert and report any suspicious activity to the IFB’s Cheatline on 0800 422 0421”.
Each year, countless innocent people fall victim to reckless #CrashforCash scams – enough is enough! Tomorrow, we’ll be releasing new figures highlighting the UK’s 30 worst-affected postal districts for 'Crash for Cash' scams to raise awareness and help communities fight fraud. pic.twitter.com/U3xvmqyePR
The IFB says ‘crash for cash’ car collisions are often caused by fraudsters in a vehicle in front of the victim, meaning the scam artist will slam their brakes on at busy junctions and roundabouts in the hope that the unsuspecting driver behind won’t stop in time.
Some fraudsters also do this with an accomplice that drives erratically in front of them, so they can divert the victim’s suspicions by blaming the driver in front.
On top of that, there have been rising reports of innocent drivers being crashed into by fraudsters after being encouraged to pull out of side roads, or when creeping forward for a better view.
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Experts say the best way for motorists to protect themselves is to be armed with a dashcam – which cost from as little as £50 and up to £500 for the most advanced devices, and were launched to help drivers prove their innocence in road traffic collisions – and also keep a good distance to the vehicle they are following, to allow them to stop in time in all scenarios.
You can find more tips about preventing ‘crash for cash’ scams via the IFB website.
Featured Image – SAGA
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Greater Manchester cinemas are screening loads of classic Christmas films throughout December
Emily Sergeant
Cinemas across the UK will be screening loads of classic festive films in the run-up to Christmas, and you can already book tickets.
With the nights drawing in, the temperatures dropping by the day, and the most wonderful time of the year now firmly in our sights, film fans looking for some wholesome festive fun in the run-up to the big day itself will soon be able to head on down to their nearest Greater Manchester cinema to catch a classic on the big screen.
Vue, Odeon, and The Light are among the cinema chains set to screen a handful of beloved Christmas films throughout December.
Although there may already be a TV channel showing Christmas films 24/7 now on air in the UK, if you fancy seeing the festivities in full screen instead, then you can watch showings of fan-favourites like Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, and more over the next few weeks.
Greater Manchester cinemas are screening loads of classic Christmas films throughout December / Credit: 20th Century Studios | Universal Pictures
You can also see seasonal screenings of live ballet, theatre, and concert performances too.
Undoubtably one of the highlights on the lineup this year, however, has to be The Polar Express, with several cinema chains scheduled to screen the 2004 animated Christmas gem to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release.
Starring Tom Hanks alongside a talented supporting cast of voice actors, The Polar Express is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg and tells the story of a young boy who boards a powerful magical train to visit Santa Claus’ home on Christmas Eve, learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas along the way.
Elf, Home Alone, and Love Actually are among the films on the lineup / Credit: Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
Looking for a more intimate festive film experience this Christmas?
Well you can also get yourself down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels, King Street Townhouse, where a jam-packed lineup of classics will be screened in its very-own exclusive cinema over the next two months.
Here you can also complete your seasonal experience with festive-themed cocktails, popcorn, pick n mix, and a whole host of other treats too.
Head to your local cinema’s website to check when your favourite festive flicks are being screened.
Featured Image – Warner Bros.
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Tommy Fury announces return to boxing after dropping out of I’m a Celeb 2024 last-minute
Danny Jones
Manc fighter Tommy Fury has announced his sudden return to boxing after dropping out of this year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
The Wythenshawe-born boxer hasn’t been in the ring since his victory over YouTube star turned fighter, musician and jack of all trades, KSI, back in December 2023, but he has now booked his next bout.
Preparing to take on former UFC middleweight Darren Till in the New Year, he’s set a blockbuster date for the hometown fight as Fury vs Till will be held at none other than Manchester’s state-of-the-art entertainment venue, Co-op Live.
Not even Tyson has had a Co-op fight yet – at least not the arena one, anyway.
Sharing the official DAZN fight poster this past weekend, the 25-year-old will take on Till as part of the next Misfits event, an ever-growing boxing promotion co-founded by his former opponent KSI.
This has all transpired very quickly as the 25-year-old looked set to feature on the 2024 I’m a Celeb lineup but ultimately pulled out in the 11th hour.
National treasures and long-serving hosts hosts, Ant and Dec, even made a dig about it on the first episode of this season which aired on Sunday night, expressing their disbelief at replacement Barry McGuigan doing the show before adding, “Well it was either do this or fight the YouTuber on Netflix.”
Besides the fight against KSI (real name Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji), his Fury‘s most notable fight famously came against fellow influencer and celebrity boxer Jake Paul, in which he was declared the victor following a split decision.
Meanwhile, Paul has continued to dive deeper into his now-pro boxing career, which officially began in 2020, and just recently a shock win over 58-year-old sporting legend Mike Tyson on points – though the exclusive Netflix-produced fight has been accused of being ‘rigged’.
31-year-old Till, on the other hand, has long maintained his opinion of the younger Fury brother’s boxing ability and seems pretty confident he knows what the outcome will be.
Tommy Fury vs. Darren Till just got announced for January 18th on Misfits Boxing 🤯 pic.twitter.com/gayFTXAmmA
Hailing from Walton, in Liverpool, not only will it be a homecoming night for ‘TNT’ but it will also be an all-North West affair with plenty of local rivalry fuelling both boxers and the crowd.
Tommy Fury vs Darren Till comes to Co-op Live in Manchester on 18 January and it will be just the second combat sports event ever held at the venue after UFC 304 earlier this year, where fellow Manc Tom Aspinall retained his interim heavyweight title.
Co-op Members can access pre-sale from 10am on Tuesday, 19 November, with general admission tickets going live at 6pm later that same day. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
11th May 2021 
