Police warn that there are people out there who are trying to cash in on the misery of earthquake victims in Haiti by setting up bogus charities.

“With any large disaster, like the one in Haiti, despite those that are legit there will be some taking advantage,” said Rockingham Police Department Major Billy Kelly.

“It’s not a big problem in Richmond County, but it’s better to be a step-ahead,” Kelly said.

According to the North Carolina’s Secretary of State’s Web site, all organizations must register before collecting donations and in turn, will be listed on the Secretary of State’s database as a charitable organization.

There are those, like the Red Cross, who are exempt from registering in every single state.

“Those exempt will be on file though,” Kelly said. “You have to look for them.”

On the site, the name will be listed along with their type, status and license number.

“If someone wants to find out if the businesses is legitimate, simply go to the Web site,” Kelly said.

But if the organization in question is not on file, worried citizens can send an e-mail to mailto:csl@sosnc.com.com to prompt an investigation by the state to see why they are not registered.

“In short, I advise all North Carolinians to “check before you write one,” said Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall.

According to Kelly, following 9/11 many people tried to make a quick profit on the emotions of those mourning the loss of life.

“A lot of people take advantage of a sad and tragic event,” Kelly said.

“North Carolinians are known for their generosity and willingness to help their neighbors,” Marshall said. “While there are many deserving organizations that need our support to continue their good works, we all want to ensure that our hard-earned money is going to be spent wisely when we donate to our favorite causes. A quick call to our Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section can help you educate yourself about an organization’s background before you make a donation.”

For more information, go to www.secretary.state.nc.us/csl/ and click on “Search Our Registry” and search for the name of the organization in question or call (919) 807-2214.

A safety and drug seminar was conducted Thursday by Detective Larry Tunstall of the Rockingham Police Department to educate residents of the dangers of theft, drug addiction and to boost police presence in Rockingham.

“Education is our best protection,” Tunstall said.

The seminar, held on McArthur Drive, was a way to assist in boosting law enforcement presence in the area.

Vivian Leak, manager of an apartment complex on McArthur Drive, asked for the police department to visit the area and talk with some of the residents to make the area safer.

Much of the seminar was dedicated to educating people on how to protect individual’s homes and identities and how to spot drug addiction signs.

The best system in helping deter crime is a “neighbor helping neighbor mentality” and it was the same community awareness that assisted in apprehending suspects in a slew of vehicle breaking and enterings recently near Fayetteville Street in Rockingham, according to Tunstall.

According to Leak, an increase in crime and drug use near the apartments sparked interest in having an officer come educate tenants and staff.

Cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills are the biggest threat police face when dealing with drug usage in the city, according to Tunstall.

If anyone has information or they believe they have been a victim of a crime, they can reach the Rockingham Police Department at (910) 895-2468.
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