RALEIGH – On Monday, Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced the launch of “Safe to Rebuild,” an initiative aimed at addressing property theft and contractor fraud in areas of western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. Jackson was joined by State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Director Chip Hawley, Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke, Waynesville Police Chief David Adams, and more than a dozen other law enforcement representatives to unveil the program.
The initiative is focused on ensuring residents and business owners can repair and rebuild without fear of theft, fraud, or exploitation. In a statement, Attorney General Jackson said the state is committed to holding accountable those who attempt to take advantage of people during the recovery process.
“We’re sending a clear message to North Carolinians – you should feel safe to rebuild in western North Carolina, and our office and law enforcement partners are working to keep it that way,” said Jackson. “Anyone who tries to steal property, rip off homeowners, or steal from people is going to face the consequences and be brought to justice.”
SBI Director Chip Hawley emphasized the agency’s continuing role in the region’s recovery and its commitment to preventing fraudulent activity.
“As western North Carolina recovers from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, the SBI continues in their efforts,” Hawley said. “Not only in the recovery effort, but also as a partner to the NC Attorney General and our local law enforcement partners to eradicate scams and fraud against homeowners and business owners while they attempt to rebuild their lives.”
Local law enforcement officials also spoke in support of the initiative. Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke highlighted the importance of coordinated protection efforts during the rebuilding phase.
“The highest priority of the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office is to protect our people and resources as we rebuild after the devastating floods of Helene,” said Wilke. “Our deputies, staff, and law enforcement partners from throughout western North Carolina have and will continue to work together to ensure that no one is taken advantage of during this difficult time.”
Waynesville Police Chief David Adams noted the collaborative nature of the effort and expressed hope it would result in fewer cases of fraud.
“On behalf of the Waynesville Police Department, we are appreciative of the collective efforts of the NCDOJ, District Attorney’s Office, and fellow law enforcement agencies,” Adams said. “This will hopefully reduce fraudulent activity and successfully prosecute those responsible for victimizing our citizens.”
The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) has received reports from small business owners in western North Carolina expressing concerns about potential looting and theft of equipment ordered for rebuilding. Officials also cited concerns over contractor and home repair fraud targeting property owners.
According to the department, it will prioritize investigating complaints related to property crimes and contractor fraud in the region. Residents can file complaints and access resources on how to hire reputable companies at www.ncdoj.gov/safetorebuild.
