Police hunt drivers trying to cause 'crash for cash' collisions in Milton Keynes

Police are investigating after reports of two vehicles deliberately being driven to cause collisions in Milton Keynes on Saturday, March 7.

Between 12.30pm and 2.30pm on Saturday, officers were alerted to two suspicious vehicles travelling on the A421 between Milton Keynes and Buckingham.

The two vehicles were being driven erratically, braking heavily at roundabouts, with reports that the drivers were deliberately trying to cause collisions.

The vehicles involved were a black Audi A8 and a white BMW 1 series.

Investigating officer Sergeant Dan Collett of the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing based at Milton Keynes, said: “At this stage, we suspect that the vehicles involved may have been attempting to cause a collision in order to engage in a ‘crash for cash’ criminality.

“We do not have any confirmed victims of this behaviour, and so I am appealing to anybody who believes that they may have seen this, or been involved in this activity, to contact the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 43200078496.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the public of the ongoing risk of being involved in low speed damage only collisions where the other driver involved does not wish to progress through an insurance company.

“While there are options for drivers to arrange to pay for damage themselves, the public should be warned that they should not be under any pressure or obligation to do so at the roadside.

“We are aware of crash for cash schemes in operation where those involved will not wish to progress through an insurance company, instead demanding or suggesting financial exchange at the roadside.

“The vehicles’ identity may not be genuine and the driver details exchanged may also not be genuine.

“If you are in any doubt as to the validity of how a collision occurred, or you are not comfortable that the other driver is genuine, you should call 999 in an emergency.

“It’s highly likely that when it becomes clear that you are involving police, the other party will not wish to remain on scene.

“Do not get involved or attempt to force them to remain, but record as much detail as you can of the person and the vehicle they are driving.

“Dash-cams provide vital evidence of how a collision has occurred, together with descriptions of those involved, and I would urge all drivers to consider using one.

“Thames Valley Police will rigorously pursue and investigate those involved in this type of crime in which the risk of people being seriously injured is high.

“In the case at the weekend, the vehicles involved were overtaking each other with the front vehicle then pulling back in and causing the rear vehicle to brake suddenly.

“If you witness behaviour such as this on the road, gain the registration details and call 101 to report it.”