Welcome to Wayne County, Michigan

(313) 877-7100

 

Arson Fraud Unit – W.A.R.

The crime of arson presents a critical threat to the citizens of Wayne County, Michigan and those dedicated firefighters who put their lives at risk on a daily basis to battle this growing problem.

Arson and suspicious fires cost Michigan residents over $100 million annually. In 2009, there were more than 6,000 arson and suspicious fires reported in Wayne County alone. The Michigan Arson Prevention Committee reports that 55 percent of the state’s arson and suspicious blazes occurred in Wayne County. Deliberately set fires motivated by profit are a growing threat that continues to increase with the Michigan economic downturn.

To combat this problem, Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy announced the creation of the Wayne Arson Reduction program, (W.A.R.), to establish a dedicated prosecution unit to the task of prosecuting arson-for-profit crimes in Wayne County.

Established in June 2010, the goal of the W.A.R. unit is to create a united effort with police and fire officials, prosecutors, investigators, insurance companies and other interested individuals to effectively investigate and prosecute arson-related offenses involving commercial and residential real estate properties insured against fire loss where it appears that profit is the motive.

Arson-for-profit crimes result when an individual burns or has someone else burn his or her residence or business property to obtain insurance benefits. Often times, individuals will “stage” fires to appear as accidental when in fact there is evidence to the contrary. Other arson/fraud related crimes occur when an individual deliberately lies to an insurance company in the processing of a fire loss claim or overstates the value of the contents burned in a dwelling or business property.

The collaboration of efforts in the W.A.R. program has enhanced the zealous prosecution of arsonists who are jeopardizing the safety of Wayne County citizens and firefighters. Further, it has brought greater public awareness to the devastating effects that arson has on communities, neighborhoods and property values.  

The program was made possible by grant funding provided by the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee together with the National Insurance Crime Bureau.  The grant money was raised through private donations.

Through the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee, rewards of up to $5,000 are paid to persons who provide information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction of arsonists. The number for reporting these crimes is 1-800-44-ARSON.