A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud after allegedly claiming that 650 sheep were stolen in a suspected insurance scam. The man submitted three allegedly false claims within a year relating to a supposed theft of animals on fields he was renting in Devon.
He had requested a total of more than £90,000, of which £28,200 was paid out for the first two claims. However, a third claim of £64,800 was stopped after insurance brokers reported the case to the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED).
Investigation uncovers evidence
Documents submitted to officers contained evidence suggesting the alleged thefts never took place. Officers attended a property in South Molton, Devon, on October 13, where the sheep were all found alive and well.
Two vehicles and a mobile phone were searched at two addresses during the investigation, which also uncovered two shotguns in breach of licensing conditions. The man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and for making or supplying articles for use in fraud.
Impact on insurers and policyholders
Detective Constable Carley Parodi said: “Rural insurance fraud may be less common, but it can have a significant impact on insurers and genuine customers. Fraudulent claims distort the true picture of risk and can contribute to higher premiums for honest policyholders.”
Parodi added: “We will continue to investigate these offences and take action against those who seek to profit through fraud.”
Rural crime network response
Tim Passmore, the chair of the National Rural Crime Network, said: “Livestock insurance fraud harms rural businesses, increases costs for honest policyholders and undermines efforts to understand and tackle rural crime.”
Passmore added: “The National Rural Crime Network welcomes the partnership between the insurers, the Rural Crime Agency and the City of London Police in investigating these suspected offences. Sharing intelligence and working together is vital to protecting rural communities and ensuring suspected fraud is properly investigated.”
