Two brothers in their 80s are facing felony charges after authorities alleged they filed a false stolen vehicle report in an attempt to collect an insurance payout for a classic car.
According to the New York State Police, the investigation began after one of the brothers reported that his 1981 Fiat Spider had been stolen from the parking lot of the Acme Market on Route 6 in Baldwin Place, near the Putnam and Westchester county line.
Investigators reviewed license plate reader data and surveillance video from the shopping plaza. Police said the evidence showed the vehicle never entered the parking lot as reported.
State Police said the vehicle owner later admitted he fabricated the theft report to collect insurance proceeds. Investigators allege he arranged for the vehicle to be left in the Bronx and that his brother drove him back to Somers after the vehicle was abandoned.
The vehicle owner was charged with insurance fraud. Both brothers were also charged with falsifying business records, falsely reporting an incident, and conspiracy.
The defendants were released without bail and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Authorities said the book value of the 1981 Fiat Spider is approximately $15,000. The insurance fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of four years in state prison if the defendant is convicted.
The allegations highlight how insurers and law enforcement increasingly rely on license plate reader data and surveillance footage to verify reported vehicle thefts. For claims adjusters and special investigation units, digital evidence has become an important tool in identifying potentially fraudulent claims before payments are issued.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
