A PAIR of drivers thought to have been involved in a 'crash for cash' scam have been arrested after trying to pull the stunt on an unmarked police car.

Thames Valley Police Bicester said they had had reports of the cars carrying out the practice in the town yesterday.

Crash for cash involves drivers intentionally setting up collisions in order to claim on insurance.

The force added that 'unfortunately' for one driver, they tried to do it to a car which later turned out to belong to the police.

The drivers were arrested in Langford Village and the cars were recovered, according to TVP.

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A growing problem across the UK, the Insurance Fraud Bureau estimates 'crash for cash' scams cost motorists £340m every year.

Gangs involved often target vulnerable road users who are less likely to make a fuss.

Profits are used to fund criminal activity like drug dealing and people trafficking. 

They will slam on the brakes with no warning before insisting the accident was your fault and put in excessive claims on your insurance.

The Association of British Insurers says that every year honest policyholders end up paying around £50 more each in their premiums due to the cost of fraud.

The Oxford Mail has received several reports from concerned residents over the past few months about 'crash for cash' gangs operating in Bicester.

A roundabout on the A41 is said to be a hot spot.