A quartet from California came up with a creative, if not very successful, idea to commit fraud. They wanted to simulate the damage to their cars caused by a bear attack. One of them put on an animal costume and broke into luxury cars. But investigators didn’t let the suspects tie up a bear.
This attempted insurance fraud is a strong contender for the title of ‘Dumbest Crime of the Year’. Damage to multiple vehicles was reported in early 2024 at Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains northeast of Los Angeles, authorities now announce.
‘Bear’ targeted Rolls-Royce and two Mercedes
A bear with an exquisite taste for luxury cars broke into a 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost early this year. The predator also attacked a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG and a 2022 Mercedes E350.
An expert from the Animal Protection Authority has identified attackers
To report this animal attack and raise money for the damage, the insurance company was presented with a video showing Master Petz in action during his vandalism. “Upon further review of the video, it was determined that the bear was actually a person in a bear costume,” the insurance company said in a statement. A Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist was asked for his expertise, who clearly identified the intruder as a human.
The trickster was equipped with sharp claws
In addition to the brown animal costume, the bear fur fraudster was also equipped with metal claws with which he wanted to simulate scratches. The disguise and claws were found in the home of one of the suspects, officials said.
Four suspects were subsequently arrested; they are between 26 and 39 years old. Charges were filed against the quartet. The insurance company said the costume party caused $141,839 in damages.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
