Maine’s fire marshal says a rise in arson fires is likely related to the slumping economy.
State figures thus far this year show 134 confirmed incendiary, or arson, fires representing $8 million worth of property. An additional 52 incidents or fire scenes are either under investigation or ready to be investigated.
For 2007, there were 130 confirmed cases involving $4.6 million in property.
Fire Marshal John Dean says he has seen more mention in his investigators’ reports of vacant buildings or buildings under foreclosure and vehicles that have burned for no reason other than to collect on insurance.
Dean said he suspects that the economy may be driving a lot of crimes. He says people feel trapped when they lose their jobs, and that can lead to robberies, assaults, domestic violence, substance abuse and arson.
___
Information from: Bangor Daily News
Topics Maine
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
USAA Not Done With Dividends: Florida Reforms Prompt $500M Payout 
MMA Alleges Broker Patriot Poached 11 Surety Team Members 
Howard Hughes Holdings Completes $2.1B Acquisition of Re/insurer Vantage Group 
Roof Costs Soar Even as Claims Decline: Verisk 
