As the sub-prime mortgage crisis takes its toll on the US credit market, insurers across the pond are witnessing an increase in suspicious fires at homes and businesses as cash-strapped owners make desperate attempts to avoid repayments.

There are now rising concerns that the UK’s gloomy economic outlook could lead to a similar situation here – but property fraud committed by arson is one of the most difficult crimes to prove.

Peter Unsworth, partner in the commercial litigation team at Keoghs, explains why fraudulent arson is causing a headache for insurers, and advises on the best way of responding to suspicious claims.

Click below to view Peter’s article which has recently appeared in Post Magazine.