Couple Jailed for £120k Bogus Burglary Scam
Graham Mundy, 52, and Joanna Beames, 34, both of Old Blandford Road, Salisbury, have been locked up for 26 months each. They pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and perverting the course of justice at Salisbury Crown Court.
Fake Burglary Rakes In £121,000 Payout
In February 2019, Mundy reported a high-value burglary at his Homington home. He claimed watches, jewellery, and laptops worth over £120,000 were stolen. Insurance firm Chubb paid out £121,248.31 in March 2019.
Scam Uncovered – Rings Insured Twice
But investigators quickly uncovered the ruse. Beames had already made an insurance claim for one of the diamond rings a year earlier. Analysis of photos and certificates showed the rings were taken after the ‘theft’ was supposed to have happened.
Police raided their Homington address in August 2019, recovering most of the “stolen” items. Records revealed Beames pocketed £30,000 of the settlement while Mundy used the rest to prop up his business.
Detective Sounds Warning
“This is a serious case of insurance fraud,” said Det Con Ben Brewster. “It may seem like a victimless crime, but it costs the insurance industry millions and wastes valuable police resources. I hope this sentence deters others from turning to crime in tough times. There are far better options and charities ready to help.”
Chubb added: “We work closely with law enforcement to catch and prosecute insurance fraudsters. Together, we protect honest customers from the fallout of fake claims.”
