Crime & Safety
Parent Talk: Door to Door Sales Safety
With last week's notice from the Buffalo School District, many St. Michael-Albertville families have been asking about door to door sales protocol.
While Hennepin County did not confirm that reported is the same man who many local St. Michael-Albertville families have had interactions with, many have had questions about what is and what isn't allowed with door to door sales.
Patch checked in with Sgt. Brian Johnson at Wright County Sheriff's Office to give a better understanding of how families can be prepared for solicitors and also staying safe.
While every city is different regarding permits, St. Michael, Albertville, Hanover, Monticello and Otsego all have a varying permit requirement, meaning if someone comes to your door they should be able to show you documentation from the city that they have permission.
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Some of Sgt. Johnson's tips for dealing with door to door solicitors:
"If you don't want solicitors, buy a no soliticing sticker or sign for your door," Johnson suggests though that at times might detour youth from the area who are selling for church or school. If one is ok with those sorts of door to door sales, one could put up a "local soliciting only" sign.
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While signs can only do so much, a solicitor can technically be charged by ignoring it.
Lock your doors and keep your garage shut even when you're home. Johnson even suggested keeping your screen door shut. Don't invite solicitors or anyone you don't personally know in to your home.
"There are people from time to time who go through the communities selling things like magazines, a lot of times they will share that they were a troubled youth who has turned their life around, maybe they have, maybe they haven't," Johnson said warning that sometimes their story could be a sales pitch.
"It's inappropriate" for any solicitor to need to speak with your children, Johnson warned.
"If something seems suspicious, call Wright County's non-emergency number and report it," he said.
Suspicious can be anything from you aren't sure if that solicitor is legit or you felt uncomfortable. Johnson asked that if you are unsure just call.
"Our cities and county are a safe place but you should still stay aware," Johnson said.
The Wright County Non-Emergency number is: 763-682-1162
How do you handle door to door solicitation? Has this been an issue in your neighborhood?