Three people have been charged for insurance fraud following an enquiry into the “cash for crash” scams plaguing parts of Yorkshire.

The West Yorkshire Police have been working in with the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) to expose thousands of pounds worth of alleged false car insurance claims in a complicated scam.

Following the operation, there were in total: 22 arrests. 3 people have been charged, whilst 16 were cautioned for minor fraud offences.

John Mountain, Detective Inspector of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Innocent policy holders are paying for this kind of crime. Fraud increases the average premium by 5% or around £40.”

IFB’s chairman, John Beadle, added: “The insurance industry is no longer an easy touch for these organised fraudsters.

“We will continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Police and are delighted with the results achieved to date via this ongoing inquiry.

“We know these criminal gangs affect honest motorists in a number of different ways and are ruthless. Through our partnership approach with the Police we will continue to find, expose and pursue those criminals involved in organised insurance fraud.”