Volusia UA "Operation Hurri-Con"
With people across
Volusia County still recovering and seeking repairs to properties damaged by Hurricane Irma, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office launched its second recent sting operation targeting unlicensed contractors looking to cash in.
VCSO's detectives, in cooperation other state and local agencies, conducted a two-day undercover operation to zero in on unlicensed contractors in Deltona and Daytona Beach. The sting, dubbed "Operation Hurri-Con", was designed to catch those who prey on victims of hurricane damage by advertising/offering services such as A/C, electrical or roofing -- all work that requires licensed contractors.
Investigators developed a list of unlicensed contractors on both sides of Volusia County, and set up meeting places. Once the unlicensed contractor provided an estimate for the job and left the business, deputies made traffic stops and arrested the contractor, transporting them to the Volusia County Branch Jail.
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One thing is certain -- post-hurricane dangers from building damage with water intrusion, flooding, and lack of operational HVAC (including temperature and humidity control) pose health risks to building occupants when they return. Although everything may appear visually restored after a structure has been physically recovered from water damage, occupant health issues can still arise. Or, if the building sustained no damage but was without power for an extended period, post-hurricane dangers can still happen.
