Police Advise Caution with Itinerant Sales Groups 5/8/08

The seasonal influx of door-to-door salespeople has Holly Springs police advising residents to be careful about allowing strangers into their home.

Magazine subscription sellers are among the door-to-door sales groups working their way through neighborhoods in spring and summer.

"If you're uncomfortable answering the door, don't answer the door," Detective Lorrie Minschew said. "If they continue knocking on the door, call the police."

Door-to-door sellers must seek a solicitor's permit so the Police Department can conduct criminal background checks on each salesperson. A permit lasts for a year and is issued for up to 10 persons. Each one receives an official Town letter that must be carried on sales calls.

"If someone comes to your door, the first thing you should ask is, 'May I see your solicitor's permit from the Town of Holly Springs?' " Town Clerk Joni Powell said. "If they don't, don't talk to them because they haven't been screened."

Recently, a Holly Springs resident who allowed a magazine seller into her home accused the salesman of sexual assault. Police investigated, and after conferring with the District Attorney's Office determined there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

For Holly Springs police, the allegations illustrate the importance of being careful when strangers knock at the door.

No magazine subscription sales companies currently have a permit to operate in Holly Springs.

The Town has issued solicitor's permits to area businesses such as pest control, landscaping and financial investment firms without problems. When the Town receives a complaint, it's nearly always against itinerant groups such as magazine subscription peddlers.

Police Chief John Herring said parents should remind their children not to open the door for any stranger.

Minschew said the magazine sales groups target middle and upper class neighborhoods with smooth sales pitches.

"If something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't," Minschew said. "Go with your intuition. We'll figure out the rest."

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Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us