Avon PD Issues Solicitor Alert, What You Need To Know

AVON, CT — Local police say they receiving reports of a number of solicitors banging on doors in town trying to sell Avon residents various items and services.

As a result, the Avon Police Department recently issued an alert regarding the town's solicitation policies and what folks should do if someone knocks on their door.

"We have been receiving many of your concerns regarding solicitors coming to your homes," wrote the APD.

According to police, the Town of Avon allows for permitted solicitation under Chapter 43 of the Town Ordinances.

"Any individual who has a permit with the town to solicit will have gone through a fingerprint-supported background check, meaning we check an individual’s criminal history prior to issuing a permit," wrote police.

Typically, police said, the permits we issue are to companies such as Power Home Remolding, Fox Pest Control, Renewal by Anderson, Trinity Solar, and Frontier.

"These companies usually supply their workers with some sort of company ID. We do not issue a physical permit to an individual," wrote the police.

"All individuals receiving a permit will be given a copy of the prohibited acts."

What to do?

Police said there are some things property owners can do if they're still concerned about door-to-door solicitors. They include:

• Place a notice on their property saying "No Solicitation."

It is a violation of the Town Ordinance to approach a house for purposes of solicitation if it is clearly
marked “No Solicitation”.

• Politely ask them to leave.

All solicitors shall depart immediately and peacefully upon request of the resident.

• Know the allowable hours to solicit,

Approved companies may only solicit from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or one-half hour before sunset,
whichever is earlier, except by appointment.

• Call the Avon Police Department.

"You may be asked by the dispatcher for a description of the individual(s) and their direction of travel, nature of the interaction (polite or hostile), company they say they represent, etc.," wrote the APD.

Police responses

After receiving a complaint, police said there are some actions they will take. The are:

• Officers will respond to the area once a call for service is received.

• Determine if the individual is permitted to solicit.

• Potentially issue $100 fines to individuals who violate the town ordinance.

• Potentially revoke permits of individuals or businesses who repeatedly violate the Town Ordinance.