Arson Cases Remain Unsolved Throughout South Carolina

Tips to the South Carolina Arson Hotline (1-800-92-ARSON) could solve several arson cases throughout the state and lead to rewards for callers. Callers can remain anonymous.

Arson fires increase the cost of insurance to all consumers. According to the FBI, the average dollar loss for arson in the United States is $17,289. The Insurance Information Institute reports arsonists destroyed nearly $900 million in insured property and killed 295 civilians across the United States in 2007.

South Carolina Arson Hotline rewards are funded by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina Foundation. Founded in 1899, the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina is the oldest and largest association of property and casualty insurance agents in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is responsible for assisting local law enforcement and fire services with the investigation of arson, explosives and related crimes. Additional resources include arson and bomb dogs, technical equipment and bomb squad personnel to assist local agencies.

The South Carolina Insurance News Service reports the following facts about the South Carolina Arson Hotline:


• The South Carolina Arson Hotline (1-800-92-ARSON) is a statewide, toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, for reporting information about suspicious fires.
• More than $100,000 has been offered through the South Carolina Arson Hotline since its inception and more than $25,000 has been rewarded.
• The largest reward offered was $22,000 in the case of the Effingham Baptist Church fire. The largest reward paid was $7,000 in the cases of the Springhill AME Church in Dillon and Islamic Center and Masjid of Greenville fire in 1997.
• Arson Hotline yard signs, posters, calling cards and bumper stickers are available FREE from the South Carolina Insurance News Service.
• Vandalism is the leading cause of arson. An Insurance Research Council study suggests only 14 percent of arson suspects are motivated by a desire to defraud an insurance company but other studies report higher rates.


For more information on the South Carolina Arson Hotline, contact the South Carolina Insurance News Service at 803-252-3455 or link to www.scinsurance.net. To report a tip to the South Carolina Arson Hotline, call 1-800-92-ARSON.