An alleged insurance fraud involving the reported theft of thousands of dollars worth of horse gear from a Middlemarch property has resulted in police charges.
In June last year, the Otago Daily Times reported police were investigating the theft of $20,000 in riding boots, bridles and saddles from a Middlemarch area property.
Senior Constable Helen Fincham Putter, of Middlemarch, said police and insurance company inquiries found that complaint to be a ''fabrication''.
This weekend, a person in connection with the incident was charged with obtaining by deception, and providing a false statement to police.
Snr Const Fincham Putter said, particularly since the Christchurch earthquake, insurance companies had been ''closely examining all claims to make sure they are genuine''.