Police: illegal door-to-door solicitors reported in Boise

By Steve Bertel

CREATED Mar. 18, 2013

  • Print

Boise Police want citizens to know that, with warm springtime weather and late sunsets, comes door-to-door solicitors.

Officers have already received complaints from citizens that a group of solicitors who do not have city permits may be passing through our area. Officers want city residents to be cautious and help them locate any unlicensed or illegal activity.

“Although most of the activity is completely legal, there are some solicitors who do not follow the law, use aggressive tactics, and a few who are just plain looking to commit crimes,” according to Boise Police Department spokeswoman Lynn Hightower.

If a door-to-door solicitor comes to your door trying to sell a product, police say:

  • Always ask for a Boise City-issued license from the person. Solicitors are required by city code to have a permit on them at all times when selling door to door.
  •  Never allow or invite a solicitor into your home. They can conduct their business on the step, without exposing you and your family to unnecessary risk.
  • Ask the solicitor for written information about the company and product to determine exactly who you are dealing with and what they have to sell.
  • It is a good idea to inform them that you intend to research the product and company before making a purchase at the door.
  • Avoid giving personal or financial information to anyone you do not know – be it at the door, in the mail and/or on-line.
  • If a door to door solicitor is aggressive, makes you uncomfortable or cannot produce the requested permit, contact law enforcement immediately and provide police with the description and direction of travel the solicitor has taken.

Door to door solicitation in the City of Boise is legal between the daytime hours of 9 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset.