Photo of actual solicitor in Lamorinda neighborhood
Dear Creekville,
Recently a door-to-door salesperson came by my house trying to sell an alarm system. They sounded so convincing that I gave my name, number, address and told them to check with my husband. Is this legitimate or should I have told them to go away?
You’re not the only one getting these solicitors going door to door trying to sell things. Driving by the other day I found a swarm of solicitors walking around one neighborhood with clipboards and blue shirts (see above photo). Personally, when it comes to alarm systems I would tread very carefully because they may be casing your home trying to find out what kind of security you have. What I would say is that you already have an alarm system (even if you don’t), and “no thank you”. Even if they are legitimate, how would you know? Better to get recommendations from friends or go with a larger, more reputable company that doesn’t need to go door-to-door. The Walnut Creek Police Department recently put out a press release about what you can do:
As summer starts we historically see an increase in solicitors in our community. The police department consistently receives calls regarding solictors from the public. It is legal for a person to solicit others at their homes as long as they obey the Walnut Creek Municipal Code’s rules and regulations governing solicitors (http://www.codepublishing.com/ca/walnutcreek/).
The common violations of solicitors are failing to obtain a permit from the City, disobeying a no solicitor sign, soliciting outside of the hours allowed and being too agressive with citizens.
A common misconception is to believe a solicitor with a permit from the City has gone through a criminal background check or some other means have been done to ensure this person is a “safe” person to be soliciting. This is not true. Our current Municipal Code does not allow for a denial of a permit based on prior criminal history or failure to disclose criminal history.
Check out suggestions on what to do after the jump…
Suggestions regarding home solicitations:
-If you do not want your privacy disturbed post a “No Soliciting” sign clearly on your property (this can even be hand written).
-You do not have to answer your door. You should always check to see who is at your door prior to opening it. If you are at all nervous listen to your intuition and do not answer your door.
-If you want to report a solicitor who you believe is violating the Municipal Code or you suspect is violating or is about to violate any law you can call dispatch directly at (925)935-6400. Remember to obtain a good description of the subject and/or vehicle (including license plate) and direction of travel to give to the dispatcher or officers.
-Assist the officers with the investigation and inform them if you are requesting the solicitor be cited or you want the subject placed under citizens arrest (if applicable). You can also remain annonymous but this will limit what the officers can do.
-Network with your neighbors to watch out for each other. If you have an aggressive solicitor you may want to call your neighbors to warn them and call the police department.
Hopefully, these suggestions will provide you with some knowledge and tools in regards to solicitors.
Has anyone else been solicited recently? If so, what were they trying to sell?
If anyone has a question about Walnut Creek, Lafayette or nearby areas, please send an email to questions [at] beyondthecreek.com and I’ll make a post for anyone to answer.