The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) has received an increase in complaints regarding unregistered door-to-door salespeople and aggressive solicitation in local neighborhoods. If this sounds familiar, it’s because the department sent out a similar alert in July. But with shopping and other holiday activities in full swing police are reposting that earlier advisory as a reminder.
GPD DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITATION ADVISORY:
“All door-to-door solicitors 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 register with GPD and carry a City-issued certificate 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀. If someone knocks on your door selling a product and/or service, ask to see their registration certificate.
Until then, GPD wishes to remind Gainesvillians of the laws in place that protect their safety and privacy.
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁:
– In an aggressive manner (blocking your path, using threatening language and/or continuing their pitch after being told “no”).
– On private property with a posted “NO SOLICITING” sign or after being asked to leave.
– After sunset or before sunrise.
– In groups of three or more.
– While under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
– With false or misleading claims (e.g., pretending to be stranded or military, if not true).
𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
– Post a “NO SOLICITING” sign if you wish to prevent door-to-door solicitations.
– Never feel pressured to engage with a solicitor. It’s OK to not open the door!
– Close the door and call GPD if someone refuses to leave or behaves aggressively.
– Report any suspicious or unregistered solicitors to GPD’s non-emergency line at 770-534-5251.”