Salesman or Burglar ?

[harrygunner]

"Salesman or Burglar ?" Burglar

 

[WilleRupert]

You're right to be suspicious, even if the guy had a uniform. Last summer a young guy walks up to my house. He sees me see him through some big French doors to our patio and rings the bell. I go to the door. He's an urban youth of about 19-21 and it's obvious he got dressed up for the occasion. He says hello and proceeds to tell me how he was just a young knucklehead (his own words) trying to turn his life around and get on the right track. Now, I hate solicitors, even legitimate ones, so I'm not having it. I ask him for his solicitors permit. He say he doesn't one of course because he was either going to ask to do yard work or straight up ask for some cash. I tell him that it's against the law to go knocking on people's doors without a permit and that it's not the kind of behavior someone trying to get on the righttrack should be doing. I pull out my cell phone right there like im about to dial. He's apologetic and knows he's busted and leaves the block. I call the cops and give them a description.


The ridiculous thing was that I look over to my neighbor sitting on her porch. Obviously he had just hit her up with the same pitch, why didn't she tell him to get lost instead of letting him go to the next house? Apparently I'm the only one on my block with a zero tolerance policy for door to door panhandlers.

Maybe he was just a young kid looking for work. If that was the case it's a shame
because I admire gumption and people taking initiative to improve their lives. However,
theres no way I'm going to humor some stranger on my doorstep. You come knocking, you better be a girl scout or the ups guy.

 

[Losov]

Always having my cell phone with me, I have recently attempted to take the pictures of solicitors who have come to my door. For some reason, they all demurred.

 

[j1]

Seems that he must have been high to do such stupid things. Good read and good action on your part. Sometimes we ignore that little voice inside.

 

[jman74]

Plus on the dog. It's been said a million times, but a barking dog draws attention. Most criminals try to avoid attention.

 

[Averageman]

Well, it is a week later now.
I haven't seen anymore "Pest Control" Salesmen in the neighborhood, but I haven't seen a single Police cruiser either.
I'm a bit disappointed in my Local PD, I didn't get a call back and I didn't see a Cop or crusier through here lately.
It's a good neighborhood, but you dont exactly case bad ones for burglary.

 

[KTXdm9]

+1. Meth is a helluva drug. I say always trust your gut. It's better to be a little paranoid and proven right, than to have to opposite happen.

I'm concerned that the local PD didn't respond. Are you sure they didn't come after you left for the gun store? (Not that taking 20+ minutes to respond is much better)

 

[357autoloader]

I live in a city neighborhood. My house is very clearly posted.
Private Property
No Trespassing
No Solicitation
Friends and family know to call in advance. The neighbors know how I feel.
My front door is not accessible to knockers and my doorbell almost never rings.
I like it that way.

 

[1894]

I am in the pest control business. You can't so this job right without getting dirty. That's why I keep a couple spare shirts with me. If I spill Any of the chemicals I work with on me, I'm borrowing my client's hose for an impromptu shower.

My company and all of our serious competitors will be presentable when we arrive at a customer's door.

Also, door to door sales tactics are ridiculess. The money(commission) is in commercial accounts.

I think you made a good call.