An Audi driver who made a four figure insurance claim for a fictitious crash with a policyholder he had made up has been ordered to undertake 120 hours unpaid work.
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Driver who made up crash with make believe policyholder sentenced
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Officers appeal to trace owners of stolen property after man is sentenced
A 35 year old man has been sentenced to 24 months imprisonment following a series of thefts, which were carried out in the Square Mile and the West End.
Rabbah Azzoug aged 35, DOB 07/03/13 of Pelican Estate SE1, was sentenced on 7 March at The Old Bailey after he was found guilty of 11 separate theft offences.
A number of thefts were reported to police where various items of personal property, including handbags, rucksacks, wallets and sunglasses had been stolen from cafes, bars and restaurants in the Square Mile and West End. Officers began an investigation using CCTV from the venues where the crimes had occurred. They were able to identify a man who had entered the venues without a bag but had left carrying one.
On 19 January 2012, Azzoug was seen on CCTV talking on a mobile phone whilst entering a bar on Liverpool Street, EC2M. He approaches the victim’s laptop bag and moves it with his foot so it is more accessible, he then picks it up and leaves the venue.
On 21 June 2012, CCTV picked up Azzoug entering a bar on Austin Friars, EC2N, again he appeared to be on the phone as he walked around the bar looking for property. He can be seen using his foot to move a bag away from the owner then pick it up and leave the bar.
Azzoug was seen on CCTV at the same venue on 4 September 2012, he enters the bar and steals a rucksack from an unsuspecting victim. See CCTV stills attached.
Each time Azzoug committed an offence he worked quickly and was at the venue for less than five minutes.
Officers were able to identify an area which Azzoug often visited and were able to map out a route he usually took by tracking the usage of a stolen Oyster card, which was in one of the stolen handbags.
With this information, officers carried out an operation in the identified areas hoping to catch him in the act.
On the second night of the operation Azzoug was spotted entering a venue, where he was suspected of previously committing a crime, he appeared to be looking for items that could easily be stolen. On exiting the venue he was arrested.
Following his arrest in November 2012 officers searched Azzoug’s home where they found various items of stolen property. Over 250 handbags and purses were seized from the address along with ten pairs of sunglasses.
Officers are now hoping to trace the owners of these stolen items and return them.
PC Dave Jones, from the investigation, said: “I am pleased with this sentencing, Azzoug was given the highest possible sentence for this type of crime. My focus is now about returning the stolen items to their rightful owners. When a handbag is stolen it can be very upsetting and costly, I hope this sentence will reassure the public that justice has been done.”
If you have been the victim of a theft in the West End or Square Mile prior to November 2012 and would like to enquire as to whether your bag has been found please contact us. Please provide your crime reference number, details of when and where the theft occurred and a description of the property taken, particularly any identifying marks.
Please contact PC Louise Price Louise.price@cityoflondon.police.uk or PC Carlos Jones Carlos.jones@cityoflondon.police.uk
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London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority seeks your views on proposals for future fire and rescue service delivery
As part of its consultation process on its draft Fifth London Safety Plan, the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) will be holding a public meeting for the City of London on Thursday 9 May from 7 pm – 9 pm in The Main Hall at St Albans Centre, Leigh Place, Baldwins Gardens, Holborn, London EC1N 7AB
The meeting will outline the proposed plan which sets out how the fire and rescue service could be delivered over the next few years. Amongst other things, it includes plans to keep within target attendance times for getting to incidents and details how savings worth £28.8m could be made. These proposals also involve the closure of 12 fire stations, the removal of 18 fire engines, the redeployment of four fire engines and a reduction in the number of firefighter posts of 520.
The meeting will be chaired by the North East Area Deputy Assistant Commissioner and have a panel drawn from Principal Management of the London Fire Brigade and members of LFEPA. GM John Simpson, London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for the City of London will also be in attendance. This meeting will give you the opportunity to put any questions you may have directly to the panel.
Full details of the plan proposals and the online consultation can be found here.
When consultation on the full plan is complete, all of the responses received will be analysed. A report will be prepared and considered by LFEPA, who make decisions on the proposals in the plan.
The final decision is expected to be made later this year, but not before June 2013.
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Two jailed as £25,000 staged accident fiddle falls apart
Two men who fiddled £25,000 out of insurers by staging car crashes and then sending the repair bills from one of their own car workshops have been sent to prison.
Richard Cash and Jonathan Baker were given jail time, and their friends Jennifer Shears and Jared Carter-Oram suspended prison terms, after they admitted making false claims for car repairs, recovery and storage costs as well as whiplash injuries off the back of three engineered crashes in Devon between 2009 and 2011.
In November 2009 it was reported that Baker’s VW Golf had collided with Shears’ Toyota Supra and a BMW on Wright’s Lane in Torquay, resulting in a payout from Direct Line that included almost £7,000 to a car workshop, Shell Shocked Autobodies, owned by Cash and Carter-Oram.
In January 2011 Cash’s BMW, Carter-Oram’s Mazda RX7 and Baker’s Ford Fiesta were all reportedly involved in a smash close to Shell Shocked Autobodies’ premises on Decoy Industrial Estate in Newton Abbot. Claims totalling £80,000 were submitted to Direct Line but, their suspicions aroused, the insurer refused to shell out the whole amount.
In February 2011 Shears’ Peugeot 206 was supposedly hit by a Ford Mondeo on Babbacombe Road in Torquay, leading to payout from Tradewise Insurance which included £2,000 to Shell Shocked Autobodies.
In May 2012 Direct Line referred the claims linked to the January 2011 crash to the City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED).
At this stage IFED detectives identified that the claims linked to the crashes in November 2009 and February 2011 were fraudulent.
In July 2012 detectives arrested Baker, Carter-Oram, a 26-year-old man and a 35-year-old man in Devon, with Cash later arrested in Fareham. Shears voluntarily attended a City of London Police station for interview in August.
Cash, Baker, Carter-Oram and Shears were subsequently charged with, and pleaded guilty to, conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.
Earlier today (Monday 29 April 2013), at Southwark Crown Court, the following sentences were passed:
Cash, 28, of Park Avenue in Brixham, was jailed for 14 months and ordered to pay a total of £16,716.34 compensation to the two insurers.
Baker, 30, of Shute Hill in Bishopsteignton, was sent to prison for six months.
Carter-Oram, 32, of Middle Warberry Road in Torquay, received a six month jail term suspended for 12 months and was ordered to undertake 125 hours unpaid work.
Shears, 26, of Whittlesford Road in Newton, Cambridge, was handed a two month prison term suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to carry out 75 hours unpaid work and pay a total of £2,220 compensation to the two insurers.
DCI Dave Wood, Head of IFED, said: “Cash, Baker, Carter-Oram and Shears worked in cahoots to extract as much money as they could from insurers, even sending in repair bills from one of their own workshops.
“But what these four friends did not count on was IFED and the insurance industry working together to bring to justice criminals who think insurance fraud is an easy way to enhance their bank balance.”
Late last year (December 2012), a 26-year-old man from Torquay was handed a police caution after allowing his personal details to be used in a fraudulent claim and a 35-year-old man from Newton Abbot was given a conditional caution after admitting to making a fake insurance claim for damage to his Ford Mondeo after the February 2011 crash.
Wayne Martin, Claims Director at Tradewise Insurance, said: “This case demonstrates that working together with like minds in the industry, and with the support of law enforcement authorities, we can continue to fight fraud with confidence. It also sends a strong message to would be fraudsters that Tradewise and other insurers will not tolerate this behaviour.”
Mike Brown, Head of Counter Fraud Intelligence at Direct Line, said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of these proceedings. This sentence sends a clear message that insurance fraud is not a victimless crime and those who seek to defraud insurers will be held to account. Direct Line takes insurance fraud seriously and is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. Fraud adds £50 to each and every insurance premium, so every pound taken by fraudsters, is taken from honest policy holders’ pockets.”
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Police seek man in CCTV images following burglary
On Tuesday 9th April, 2013, a home in High Timber Street, London, EC4 was burgled. An untidy search was made of the property and a significant number of items of high value jewelry were stolen.
Do you recognise the man in the CCTV? Has he tried to sell you any distinctive items of jewelry?
Amongst the items stolen was a unique ladies Rettangolo Bvlgari watch in yellow gold with bracelet in white leather - valued at £10,000.
If you recognise the man or any of the items pictured, please call DS Mark Simmons on 0207 601 2147 or email mark.simmons@cityoflondon.pnn.police.uk
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Force helps reduce road injuries by 12%
Latest figures show a reduction of 12% in the number of collisions resulting in injury in the Square Mile over the past year, despite the increase in the number of cyclists in the City. The force has worked in a number of ways to achieve this target, most notably by spotting and seizing uninsured vehicles which entered the City. Research suggests that those who drive vehicles whilst uninsured or unlicensed are up to ten times more likely to be involved in a collision. Teams from across the force worked together to identify uninsured vehicles that entered the City with the ANPR (Automatic number plate reader) system alerting control when such a vehicle entered the City. Officers would then stop the vehicle and conduct checks via the Police National Computer (PNC) bureau who would then confirm if the vehicle was uninsured, had no tax or if the driver was the correct registered keeper. This also helped the force gather relevant intelligence and information about who is coming into the City.One of the force’s current priorities is to increase the amount of illegal vehicles seized, thus denying criminals the use of our roads.Inspector Dave Aspinall said “We are constantly seeking new ways of utilising technology such as ANPR to reduce criminality, catch offenders and reduce casualties. Whilst it is encouraging to see a reduction in the number of collisions on the City’s roads, we are committed to working to ensure this downward trend continues.”Force wide figures since April 2012 to March 2013No insurance – 281No driving licence – 100No insurance and no licence – 98Crime related offences and other - 87
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Don’t become a victim of crime this Bank Holiday
The sunshine has arrived in London and with its arrival more people are expected to be out enjoying themselves over the Bank Holiday weekend.City of London Police wants those who visit the Square Mile to be able to enjoy themselves safely and not fall victim to crime. With the good weather and an increased number of people socialising outside, opportunist thieves may strike. If you are coming into the City this weekend please be aware of your surroundings and keep your property with you at all times.Whilst crime in general is low in the City, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim by taking a few simple precautions. Some general points:
You will be safest in bright, well lit and busy areas
Try to look and act confident - look like you know where you are going and walk tall
You might like to spread your valuables around your body. For example, keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket
If someone tries to take something from you, it may just be better to let them take it rather than to get into a confrontation and risk injury
You can use reasonable force in self-defence. You are allowed to protect yourself with something you are carrying anyway (for example, keys or a can of deodorant), but you may not carry a weapon
If you decide to defend yourself, be aware that your attacker might be stronger than you, or may take what you are using in self-defence and use it against you. It is often better just to shout loudly and run away
Shout 'fire' rather than 'help' - it can get more results
If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of the chair
Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying. Talking on your mobile phone, carrying a laptop, or showing your friend your new gold ring all show thieves that you are worth robbing
Stay with friends whenever possible, don’t walk home alone
Look after your friends if they’ve had too much to drink and make sure they get home safely.
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Police appeal for witnesses of sexual assault
City of London Police is appealing for witnesses after a 19 year old woman was sexually assaulted on a bus on Friday 3rd May.
The assault occurred between 07:45 and 08:00 hours on the number 25 bus, which was travelling between Leadenhall Street and Cornhill.
The offence took place on the ground floor of the bus, which was packed full of people at the time. It is believed that the suspect got on to the bus at the St Katherine Cree bus stop and got off on Cornhill.
The suspect is described as a white man with short red/brown hair aged in his late 30s. He had a stocky build and was about 5’11. At the time of the offence he was wearing a grey coloured top with dark trousers and was carrying a black rucksack.
Officers are anxious to speak to people who were on the bus that day at that time. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Public Protection Unit at Wood Street Police Station. The Unit can also be contacted via email publicprotectionunit@cityoflondon.pnn.police.uk or by phone 0207 6012930.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Man jailed for 20 years for Attempted Murder
Today, Thursday 9th May, Jordan Murphy aged 25 has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of Attempted Murder at the Old Bailey.
Murphy was charged with Attempted Murder on 20th November 2012 following an investigation by City of London Police after a man was seriously injured whilst on a night out with friends.In the early hours of Sunday 18th November, officers were called to a nightclub on Crutched Friars, EC3N, after receiving reports that a man had been stabbed. A second man was found on Carlisle Avenue with a head injury.It transpired that a fight had occurred as the victim was leaving the venue with his friends. When the victim began to leave the dance floor a man approached him and appeared to punch him several times in what was a completely unprovoked attack.Staff at the venue soon realised that the victim had been seriously injured and had been stabbed several times. Police and London Ambulance Service attended and began to treat the victim and ascertain what had taken place.The suspect left the venue as it was being emptied and walked into Carlisle Avenue. He was subsequently attacked by a man causing him to fall to the ground resulting in a facial injury. He was later found by a passer-by who notified police.Both the victim and the suspect were taken to hospital for treatment. The suspect was released from hospital later that day. The victim sustained serious stab wounds to his face, back, abdomen and chest, which left him needing life saving surgery. On Sunday 18th November the suspect was arrested on suspicion of Attempted Murder.A second man was arrested for the assault on the suspect in Carlisle Avenue, this investigation is ongoing. Detective Chief Inspector David Evans said: “This sentence reflects the severity of the offence and the devastating impact it can have upon all of those involved. Those intent on coming to the City of London to commit violent crime will not be tolerated and City of London Police will always seek to investigate and deal with these matters to the fullest.”
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City call centre arrests as multi-agency operation steps up fight against pension liberation activity
City of London Police has dismantled a suspected organised crime gang believed to be cold-calling and text messaging pension holders across the UK with fraudulent offers that could destroy their retirement plans.The investigation forms part of a wider cross government multi-agency operation against pension liberation activity, with thousands of people estimated to have released up to £400 million into high risk and non-existent investment schemes, many of which are based overseas.
Some of this money has been totally lost to fraudsters, with victims also being hit by significant tax and admin fees.
On Wednesday morning (May 8) detectives from the National Lead Force for fraud entered a City of London based office housing up to 40 call-operatives, arresting three men and seizing computers and documents. At the same time the investigation team, supported by Police Scotland and SOCA, were arresting two men in Ayr and in Glasgow. Two further arrests were made in Cheshire. All seven men were arrested on suspicion of consipiracy to defraud and money laundering, and have since been released on bail.
The operation marked an important moment in what is the first major police investigation against suspected pension liberation fraud.
It was triggered after the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau identified an increasing number of reports to the Action Fraud hotline of people losing their pensions after having been persuaded by the promise of better returns and tax free advances to release their savings.
The Taskforce set-up to address pension liberation activity involves the Pensions Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority, Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue & Customs, Serious and Organised Crime Agency, Serious Fraud Office, National Fraud Authority, City of London Police and the Information Commissioner’s Office.
It is also being conducted to inform the development of the National Crime Agency, which will seek to drive even greater levels of cross agency collaboration against economic crime.
In the past couple of years there has been a dramatic increase in members of pension schemes being approached to take a portion of their savings as cash before they reach the minimum pension age of 55.
The Information Commissioner’s Office, which regulates marketing calls and text messages, has seen reports of spam text messages related to reclaiming pensions more than triple in the past six months, and one in eight spam messages sent in March are thought to relate to pensions. The office has seen a similar spike in cold calls relating to pensions.
A collective desire to find a higher return on savings is at the heart of the problem, with the promise of pension loans or cash lump sums acting as an added incentive for people to raid pension pots.
Some of these funds are being completely lost to fraudsters and victims are also being charged with very high fees from the pension scheme organisers, with substantial tax charges of up to 55% being applied to monies transferred. This claws back pensions tax relief enjoyed on these savings.
Individual victims are known to have lost more than a million pounds with many having to face the future knowing future retirement plans have been ruined and they will be forced to work into old age. If you think you may have been a victim, or if you have information regarding pension liberation fraud, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Commander Steve Head, from the City of London Police, said:“Pension liberation fraud is the new boiler room fraud phenomenon as fraudsters seek to exploit new opportunities thrown up by the changing economic climate. The promise of maximising returns on your pension savings may seem to make good financial sense but the reality is you could be falling into a terrible trap which has the potential to destroy your retirement.“People should think long and hard before releasing pension funds early and anyone who is cold-called or text messaged with this or any other type of investment opportunity should put the phone down and not reply to the message.”
Pensions Minister Steve Webb said:“Pensions liberation fraud is a crime and we along with the police and others across Government are cracking down on these schemes.“The promise of easy money when times are tough is all too tempting, and there are far too many unscrupulous people who will play upon this. If you are offered a deal to unlock your pension, don't touch it."The Pensions Regulator’s chief executive Bill Galvin said:“We have seen a dramatic rise in these sorts of arrangements in the last couple of years, with hundreds of millions of pounds involved and thousands of members affected. Of particular concern has been the significant increase in the targeting of individuals via cold calling and text messaging. “We strongly urge individuals not to be taken in by such offers. If you take money from your pension before the age of 55 you stand to face substantial tax charges and will be poorer in retirement.”
The HMRC said:
HMRC is committed to combat pensions liberation through a very active compliance programme and working closely with other regulators to detect, deter and disrupt pensions liberation activity. Over half an individual’s pension savings can be made up of tax relief, so tax charges of up to 55% apply if people break the tax rules about how and when they can access their savings.
The Pensions Regulator has been involved in a number of investigations around suspected pension liberation fraud.
It strongly urges members not to be taken in by offers to such arrangements, and wants trustees, providers and administrators to consider whether members’ savings are being transferred into a liberation scheme. Advice has been issued for individuals on how to avoid becoming a victim of pension liberation fraud:
Never give out financial or personal information to a cold caller.
Find out about the company’s background through information online. Any financial advisers should be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Ask for a statement showing how your pension will be paid at retirement, and question who will look after your money until then.
Speak to an adviser that is not associated with the proposal you’ve received, for unbiased advice.
Never be rushed into agreeing to a pension transfer.
View the pension liberation fraud action Pack for professionals
HMRC works closely with partner regulators to deter pension liberation activity. Counteraction in this area has taken many forms, and it has an active compliance programme, including establishing both a Counter Fraud and Avoidance Team.
If HMRC has any suspicions about the bona fides of any scheme or scheme administrator, either when it is set up or at a later time, we will take appropriate compliance action.
View HMRC's guidance on the tax consequences of pension liberation.
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Do you recognise this man?
City of London Police need to speak to a man in connection with a serious assault that occurred in the City of London on the 7th March, 2013.
This E-Fit is thought to be a very good likeness of the man.
If you know him or can help, please do not hesitate to contact DC Caroline Fisk on 020 7601 2902 or by email at caroline.fisk@cityoflondon.police.uk
Bengali Translation
You can download a PDF version of the Bengali translation here.
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Can you identify suspects of phone robbery?
City of London Police is appealing for information and witnesses following a robbery which took place in April.In the early hours of Saturday 6th April, a 26 year old man was on his way home from Stoke Newington.
He travelled on the Route 47 bus towards South London, whilst on the bus he sat on the lower deck and used his phone.
The victim got off the bus at London Bridge, at this point two men have grabbed hold of the victim. One of the suspects has pulled the victim’s arm behind his back and searched his pockets, whilst the second suspect has acted as a distraction. The suspects then casually walked off, only running when the victim began to follow them.
After viewing the CCTV from the bus officers can see the suspects travelled on the same bus as the victim, they are seen observing him using his phone.
Images of suspects
If you recognise the suspects or have any information about the incident please contact City of London Police on 020 7601 2121 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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The IG London Nocturne cycling event - 8 June 2013
The IG London Nocturne cycling event hits the streets of Smithfield once again on Saturday 8th June 2013.
Crowds of up to 12,000 people are expected with road closures in and around the Smithfield area.
View more information and the day’s schedule.
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Man sentenced for 10 years following fatal stabbing
On Wednesday 15th May, Robert Casey was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment at the Old Bailey after being found guilty of manslaughter.
Casey was charged on 25th June 2012 following a fatal stabbing, which took place near a Farringdon night club on 24th June 2012 in which a 33 year old man died.
Background:
On the morning of Sunday 24th June, officers from City of London Police attended an incident where a man had been stabbed outside of a night club on Charterhouse Street, EC1. On arrival at the scene they found a man, aged 33, on the pavement with a serious stab wound to his chest. The victim was taken to an east London hospital but was pronounced dead around 90 minutes later.
A man, aged 25 at the time of the incident, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and a major investigation was carried out to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
Officers found that on Saturday 23rd June, the victim had been out with friends celebrating his birthday in a night club on Charterhouse Street. At some point during the evening one of the victim’s friends was involved in an altercation with another individual at the club.
As a result of this and his continued aggression the friend (suspect) was made to leave the club and his friends joined him outside, the group then moved away from the venue.A while later the group were approached by the man who had been involved in the earlier altercation with the suspect.
The man approached the group and the suspect backed away, whilst he did this he reached into his pocket and pulled out a knife. The suspect, whilst brandishing the knife, rushed back towards the man. He made a motion with the knife towards the man and the victim, who was acting as a peacemaker, was caught by the knife and received a fatal wound to the chest.
Detective Chief Inspector John Osibote said: “This was a tragic incident where an innocent man, who was celebrating his birthday, has become the victim of an avoidable dispute and been stabbed by someone he knew. It has had a huge impact on those that knew the victim and I hope it acts as a warning to others. I would like to thank all of the officers involved in this case who have worked hard to secure this outcome. I would also like to thank the family of the victim who have shown incredible strength and dignity throughout the investigation.” Statement from the family of victim Nicholas Henry in response to sentencing:
“As a family we are pleased that the court process has been concluded. The loss of Nicholas has caused a huge amount of distress to the family and his 5 year old son.However, we feel that the sentence of 10 years does not reflect Robert Casey’s actions given it is accepted that he was carrying a knife and used it unlawfully to kill Nicholas. We feel strongly that his sentence is insufficient and as a family we will suffer forever.”
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Police warn of bank card scam
Police are warning people not to fall victim to a bank card scam where fraudsters try to obtain bank and credit card details to steal money from bank accounts.
How does the scam work?
1. Fraudsters telephone you claiming to be from your bank or the police and tell you that your bank card details have been used fraudulently.2. They suggest that you hang up and ring the bank/police back to make you believe the call is genuine. Don’t be fooled - they stay on the line and may use a device to make you believe you hear a dialling tone. They will then ask you to read out or key in your PIN.3. They send a taxi/courier to collect your bank card. With this and your PIN they spend your money.
REMEMBER: Banks or the police will never ask for your PIN or ask to collect your bank card. If fraudulent activity has taken place, your bank or card company will contact you to verify transactions and ask security questions, they may also ask you to cut up your card. If they cannot get in contact with you, they usually block your card to prevent any fraudulent activity on your account.If you have been a victim of this scam, please visit the Action Fraud website to report it and for further information.
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Woolwich Incident - Update
City of London Police are on patrol as normal in residential communities and across the Square Mile and officers are available to provide support to anyone who may have any concerns following yesterday’s killing in Woolwich. Community police are as usual in contact with residential communities, businesses and out on the streets to provide a visible presence in the City.
The force has offered its support to the Metropolitan Police Service, which has launched a murder inquiry led by the Counter Terrorism Command.
The Met has appealed for anyone with any information or who may have witnessed what took place in Woolwich to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.The Met is also appealing for anyone who has still or moving images of the incident to send them to woolwich@metincident.co.uk - please include your name and contact details, which will be treated in strictest confidence.
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‘Heartbreak’ for car crash conman as he’s jailed
A conman who invented 12 car crashes in two years using multiple aliases and scrapped cars to scam £65,000 from an insurer has been jailed for 18 months.
Kevin Heartbreak was sentenced at the Old Bailey today (Thursday 23 May 2013) after admitting that he insured scrap cars with Aviva under assumed names and then reported the cars were in accidents. And, between July 2010 and August 2012, while trading as Thunder Storm Cars, he also lodged bogus damage and whiplash claims as well as car recovery and storage claims.
But 28-year-old Heartbreak came unstuck when Aviva established that Thunder Storm Cars was not storing the vehicles alleged to have been involved and the insurer made a referral to the City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED). IFED detectives arrested Heartbreak at his rented flat in Middlesex in August 2012 and seized pay-as-you-go mobile phones, identity documents, vehicle documents and computers. Some of the mobile phones had notes stuck to them bearing two names, a telephone number and the name of an insurer. Detectives suspect the notes acted as an aid to remind Heartbreak of the fabricated names he had reported were involved in each fictional crash using a specific mobile phone. The identity documents revealed Heartbreak, of Boston Gardens, Brentford, had changed his name by deed poll numerous times since 2008. Detectives believe this allowed him to legitimately obtain identity documents, including driving licences, in different names. Heartbreak was subsequently charged with 12 counts of fraud by false representation, one count of money laundering and another of possession of a false identity document. He later pleaded guilty to 11 counts of fraud by false representation. DS Mark Forster, who led IFED’s investigation, said: “Heartbreak was a con artist who carefully choreographed every aspect of the crashes, including changing his name, in an attempt to avoid detection.
“However, the personal greed that drove him to re-offend ultimately led to his downfall, with the insurer discovering his scam and then IFED investigating and stopping his criminal enterprise." IFED has begun financial confiscation proceedings against Heartbreak. Tom Gardiner, Head of Fraud, Aviva, said, “This is another example of systematic and organised motor and personal injury fraud, and of insurers’ increasing ability to detect and work with others prosecute these crimes. “In this instance, Aviva identified the fraud through matching personal details involving fictitious policyholders and claimants for multiple bogus claims worth tens of thousands of pounds. This prosecution sends a clear message to would-be fraudsters that insurers are increasingly detecting fraud and working with the police and criminal justice agencies to successfully prosecute those responsible.”
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Enjoy your bank holiday – and stay safe in the City if you are out drinking
City of London Police is running an alcohol awareness campaign over the late May bank holiday weekend to encourage people to know their drink limits and stay safe while out socialising in the City.
Be safe and know your limit
Sharing a drink with friends, family or work colleagues is always a popular social activity and especially so on long weekends. While we want you to enjoy yourself, we also want you to be safe and know your limit.
If you are out this weekend please keep in mind these simple crime prevention tips:
Enjoy yourself while out in the City, but know your limits and don’t let yourself become vulnerable to crime
Get home safely and look after friends who may have had too much to drink
Know your surroundings, always try to walk in well lit and bright areas
Look after your belongings, always keep them in your sight
Our teams on patrol
The City weekend night-time economy is increasingly vibrant and, while this has many benefits for the Square Mile, police teams are regularly on patrol to ensure this does not disrupt those living and working in the City.
We have specific teams that work every day to prevent low level alcohol related crime from escalating to more serious offences. Our teams work in partnership with the licensees to ensure they have the support they need to carry out their business, while meeting the needs of our residential community.
Find out more on twitter and YouTube
As part of our campaign this weekend, and in support of a nationwide alcohol awareness initiative, you will be able to gain an insight of these teams by viewing three short videos available on our YouTube channel. These videos show the perspectives of three police officers working in the Licensing Unit, Support Group and Community Policing. The officers explain how alcohol impacts upon their role and what part they play in preventing alcohol related crime from occurring.
Visit our YouTube channel
Follow us on Twitter @CityPolice
The force will be tweeting links to these videos throughout the weekend as well as crime prevention tips and advice about drinking responsibly.
Please remember, excessive drinking increases the likelihood of someone committing a crime - or becoming a victim of one.
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City of London Police have arrested James Walter Reginald Miller, aged 84, on suspicion of indecent assault.
Mr Miller is a retired City of London Police officer who joined the force in April 1955 and left in January 1985 at the rank of Sergeant. The complaint relates to the time period of 1966 to 1968.
Detectives from the Public Protection Unit are keen to trace any residents or regular visitors to the former accommodation block of Bishopsgate police station in the City of London who feel they may have further information in relation to the investigation.
Specially trained officers are available and all contact with police will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.
Detective Inspector Clinton Blackburn from the City of London Police Public Protection Unit said, “In 1966, Bishopsgate police station had an accommodation block for serving police officers and family. I am keen to speak to anyone who may have information that could help us – no matter how small the detail, it could still be of interest to us.”
Mr Miller has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Anyone with any information is asked to call City of London Police on 020 7601 2222 or email publicprotectionunit@cityoflondon.police.uk
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Protest in the City
A protest is due to take place in the vicinity of the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) from 10am on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th June 2013 following the conclusion of a case at the court.
The City of London Police has been in contact with the organisers of the protest and the force has a policing plan in place to facilitate peaceful demonstration.The northbound carriageway of Old Bailey will be closed from 7am on Thursday until 7pm on Friday to assist with policing the protest.
Inside office hours anyone with concerns should contact the force on 020 7601 2452 or at community@cityoflondon.police.uk. Outside of office hours dial 020 7601 2222.
You can also follow us on Twitter @CityPolice.
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