World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Devon farmer arrested over suspected £100,000 sheep insurance fraud
A 24-year-old farmer was arrested on suspicion of insurance fraud after police investigated claims that sheep had been stolen.
Officers found the sheep alive in the farmer’s rented fields in South Molton, Devon.
He had claimed that more than 650 sheep were stolen in three incidents over 12 months, as well as reporting two sheep dead.
Insurers paid £28,220 on two claims, while a third claim for £64,800 was not paid after police and the insurance industry intervened.
The man was later released under investigation, which means the investigation is continuing.
Police also seized documents and a phone, and found two shotguns that breached licensing conditions.
The sheep were checked by officers and veterinary professionals and were found well and alive.
A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud after police found sheep he had reported stolen alive in his rented fields in South Molton, Devon.
He had claimed nearly £100,000 in insurance for the alleged theft of more than 650 sheep and the deaths of two others.
An insurer paid £28,220 for two claims, while a third claim for £64,800 was not paid.
The man was released under investigation.
Police and veterinary professionals found the sheep well and alive.
- Who
- A 24-year-old man described as a farmer was arrested. He has been released under investigation.
- What
- Police are investigating suspected insurance fraud involving claims for stolen sheep.
- When
- The arrest happened on the day police searched the fields. The article gives conflicting dates: it says “last Tuesday” and also October 13.
- Where
- South Molton, Devon.
- Why
- Police suspect fraud by false representation and making or supplying articles for use in fraud.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The farmer claimed insurance for the alleged theft of more than 650 sheep and the deaths of two others.
Officers found sheep alive in the farmer’s rented fields and arrested a 24-year-old man later that day; the article gives conflicting dates, describing the day as “last Tuesday” and October 13.
- Arrested man
- 24 years old
- Location
- South Molton, Devon
- Claimed livestock
- More than 650 sheep, plus two reported deaths
- Insurance claims
- Nearly £100,000 claimed
- Payments
- £28,220 paid on two claims; a £64,800 third claim was not paid
- Sheep welfare
- The flock was found well and alive
What people are saying
Rural insurance fraud may be less common, but it can have a significant impact on insurers and genuine customers.
Livestock insurance fraud harms rural businesses, increases costs for honest policyholders and undermines efforts to understand and tackle rural crime.