AN insurance firm has lent its support to the fight against insurance fraud by donating a digital camera to the police.
Royal and SunAlliance (RSA), sponsored the camera to help Cleveland Police tackle the problem.
It will be used to enable the first officer at the scene of burglaries to record what has been taken, preventing false claims from being made. The sponsorship follows joint action by RSA and the police in stopping one group of fraudsters from claiming £29,000.
The fraudsters alleged that thieves had taken a wide range of personal possessions from their home, but following close liaison between RSA's investigator and police officers, they admitted grossly exaggerating their claim.
They received a caution for attempted criminal deception and RSA cancelled their insurance, making it difficult for them to obtain insurance in the future.
A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Cleveland Police are committed to reducing all crime and are developing effective relationships with its partners.
"I am delighted that Royal and SunAlliance has provided us with an excellent piece of equipment which will help us to detect cases where fraudulent claims are made to insurance companies."
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