| Councillor Paul Shannon, Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire Authority |
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service revealed how it successfully scuppered two fake claims from fraudulent drivers after installing CCTV to their vehicles.
Fire chiefs in Greater Manchester issued a warning shot to people trying to make bogus claims against them after two motorists were caught out using CCTV technology.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service revealed how it successfully scuppered two fake claims from fraudulent drivers after installing CCTV to their vehicles.
The technology has already saved thousands of pounds in insurance claims against the service. In the first, a motorist claimed a fire engine sped off a petrol station forecourt in Stockport so fast it collided with his car "with such force that it moved the vehicle, causing damage to the car and injuries to those inside". Unfortunately for the driver, the CCTV on the fire engine clearly showed it creeping away from the petrol pump, brushing the bumper only slightly.
In the second incident, another motorist in Stretford claimed a fire fighter seriously damaged her car when he jumped out of a fire engine in response to a house fire. In direct contrast, the CCTV revealed the vehicle was already damaged and she had driven into the fire engine herself.
Councillor Paul Shannon, Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire Authority said: “He was disgusted by both claims. The Fire and Rescue Service is funded by public money. To think that people who live within Greater Manchester would actively try and defraud money out of us is a disgrace. It's quite shocking."
CCTV technology on fire engines is primarily used to protect fire crews as they attend incidents around the area but have more recently assisted the Service and the police in a variety of other cases.
Councillor Shannon added: "I'm all for this type of detective work if it helps stop such unscrupulous people making a quick buck out of us. To think our crews are out there often putting their lives at risk supporting the community and providing assistance in emergencies and this is the way some people chose to repay them is disgusting. I'd like to say here and now we won't be afraid to name and shame such behaviour in the future."