How-To: Handling Solicitors
By Whitney
In the winter, the afternoons are dark. I am frequently home alone with my two children, and when the doorbell sounds during this time, it drags me away from either playing with them or preparing dinner. When I peer out the window and see an unfamiliar face standing expectantly at my doorstep, I feel frustrated.
It seems unwise for me to open the door for a total stranger, doesn’t it? Yet, perhaps their clipboard indicates they are well-meaning folks, who are trying to raise money for a good cause or trying to make an honest living.
But then again, should I be risking an open doorway between this stranger and my house and children?
I was comforted to receive the following specific advice from my local police officer via email this week.
He wrote of his own personal policy, “I do not open my door for anyone I do not personally recognize, or have not made arrangements with to visit my home. I will make an exception for neighborhood children participating in fund-raisers (I have a huge sweet tooth), but other than that, I am naturally suspicious of unexpected visitors.”
Some tips to help you decide whether or not to trust your visitor:
- Does the solicitor appear legitimate? Is the solicitor wearing an appropriate uniform/identification? Demonstrating appropriate behavior? Carrying appropriate materials?
- If the solicitor appears legitimate and is promoting something in which you are interested, speak from behind your door. Thank the solicitor for the visit and ask that some literature be left on the doorstep so you can retrieve at a later time. Legitimate solicitors will respond in a professional and appropriate manner.
- Potential burglars posing as solicitors are usually not very good actors … their inappropriate or suspicious behavior will not be hard to spot.
- Trust your instincts when you get an unexpected knock on your front door. If you can articulate what was suspicious about the behavior of a solicitor or doorknocker, it warrants a call to the police.
What about emergencies?
What if someone pounds on your front door and yells for help?
Officer Pierantoni in Berkeley, Calif., advises that you keep your door closed. Say, “Stay right there, I’m calling 9-1-1 for you!” If they really needs assistance, they will stay at your door and wait for the police. If it wasn’t a legitimate emergency, the person will not be there when the police arrive.
Trust your instincts, keep yourself and your family safe, and always err on the side of caution.
