[O]fficers who led the investigation into a “cash for crash” scam in Cumbria which saw 35 convictions have been commended for their work.
Retired Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Hill, Crime Investigator Don McCutcheon and Detective Constable Andrew Hedley each received Chief Constable’s Commendations at a ceremony in Penrith on 11 May 2017.
The commendations were in recognition of the professionalism and attention to detail displayed during a complex and protracted investigation into offences of money laundering and fraud.
The investigation was carried out by the Serious and Organised Crime unit following concerns about the validity of insurance claims.
The investigation pointed to an organiser of the offences, known as ‘cash for crash’. With the involvement of complicit garage owners and associates from both within and outside the criminal fraternity, an elaborate process of vehicle acquisition, falsified MOTs and staged collisions took place. These led to bogus claims for vehicle damage and personal injury across a range of insurance providers, to an estimated loss of £600,000.
A thorough investigation, including the execution of warrants in 2014, culminated in the successful prosecution of 35 defendants.
The primary offender was sentenced to seven years in prison, with 34 other co-conspirators receiving a range of sentences, many of which included terms of imprisonment.
At the conclusion of the trial His Honour Judge Davies commended those involved on a “tireless, diligent and assiduous examination of voluminous evidence”.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Stalker said: “This was an extremely challenging and complex investigation. The professional manner with which it was carried out reflects well on everyone involved and resulted in dozens of convictions.
“I’d like to congratulate those involved and thank them for a job worthy of commendation.”
Crime Investigator Don McCutcheon said: “This particular investigation was very much a team effort, involving a number of other officers and staff whose efforts all contributed to the successful convictions.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each of those people for the help and support they provided throughout.”
