A Cunning Plan Foiled in Western Australia
In a shocking turn of events, a 50-year-old woman from Kalgan, Western Australia, has been charged with setting fire to her own bakery in Spencer Park, Albany.
The alleged motive? To claim a staggering multi-million dollar insurance payout.
The Fire that Raised Suspicion
On Saturday, October 12, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) responded to an emergency call at the bakery on Angove Road.
When they arrived, they found significant structural and roofing damage, as well as extensive smoke damage. The estimated cost of the damage? A whopping $955,000.
A Calculated Move?
Detectives from Albany alleged that the woman deliberately set fire to her premises. But that’s not all – they also claim that she lodged an insurance claim just a few days later. Her policy stated that she was entitled to $500,000 for contents insurance and a further $2.2 million in business interruption compensation. Talk about a calculated move!
Facing the Music
The 50-year-old woman has been charged with criminal damage by fire and gain benefit by fraud. She is due to appear before the Albany Magistrates Court on December 12.
Have You Seen Something Suspicious?
If you have any information about this incident or any other crime, you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit their website at crimestopperswa.com.au.