The City of London’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department is investigating the alleged theft of live sheep after a policyholder in Devon made three claims for lost livestock within 12 months. The policy paid out £28,220 for the first two claims while the third claim for £64,800 has not been paid.

Initially, the case was referred to the Rural Crime Agency before it was passed to IFED. Investigators suspect the thefts did not take place and that supporting evidence provided may have been fake.

Detective Constable Carley Parodi, from IFED at City of London Police, 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.”

Tim Passmore, chair of the National Rural Crime Network, added: “Livestock insurance fraud harms rural businesses, increases costs for honest policyholders and undermines efforts to understand and tackle rural crime.

“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.”