POLICE are joining forces with the fire service to launch a specialist Flare Team.
The unit will tackle arsons on commercial properties which result in false insurance claims.
The Flare Team is one of the first of its kind in the country and is being run by dedicated officers to investigate and prevent insurance fraud in the light of the economic downturn.
Merseyside police Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “I understand that the economic downturn is having an adverse effect on many businesses but arson with the intent of gaining through false insurance claims is not a way out.”
Merseyside fire and rescue service’s acting chief officer Michael Hagen said: “Arson-related fraud increases in times of recession, which adds to the risk to our communities and firefighters, as well as costing jobs.”
Kevin Core
Liverpool Echo
