Protect Your Home From Solicitors: What Every Resident Should Know to Stay Safe When Strangers Knock | By Jordan Frankel

Home Security for Children: Essential Tips for Keeping Kids Safe from Strangers | By Jordan Frankel
July 21, 2023
Residential Crime Education: Key Knowledge to Protect Your Home | By Jordan Frankel
July 21, 2023

For many residents, door-to-door solicitors are more than an annoyance—they can also present serious security risks. Increasingly, clever criminals disguise themselves as salespeople to gather information or gain access to homes. Learning how to protect your home from solicitors is essential for your safety.

In a recent 1011Now news report from Omaha, Nebraska, a woman posed as a cleaning services representative to scope out homes. Shortly after her visits, she was seen returning to steal packages from the doorsteps. While her initial focus was packages, criminals like her sometimes use similar tactics to plan burglaries or even home invasions.

Understanding how to secure your home from unwanted visitors and practicing proactive home security against strangers can significantly reduce your risks. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your family safe from the threat of solicitors.

Understand the Laws on Soliciting in Your Area

In the United States, laws about soliciting vary by state and city. Charitable solicitors must often register with the state, while business solicitors typically comply with city or county regulations. In many areas, solicitors are required to respect “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” signs, though some may disregard or overlook these warnings.

While it’s possible to report solicitors who disregard these signs, it can be difficult to prove that they saw them. That’s why it’s essential to be vigilant and follow key door-to-door security tips to protect your home.

Essential Tips to Protect Your Home from Solicitors

While most solicitors are legitimate, it’s impossible to know someone’s true intentions just by appearance. Following these home security tips can help you and your family stay safe when strangers come to your door:

  • Always Verify Their Identity
    Legitimate sales or charity solicitors must carry permits, but you should always confirm their identity. Since documents can be forged, ask for identification and verify it by contacting the company directly if you choose to engage with a solicitor. However, it’s best to avoid opening the door to anyone you don’t recognize.
  • Install a Security Door Brace
    A quality security door brace can reinforce your door from the inside, making it extremely difficult for an intruder to force entry. With a brace like the OnGARD Security Door Brace installed at the base of your front door, you gain extra protection in case someone tries to push through. View a demonstration of the OnGARD door brace here.
  • Keep Pets Near You at the Door
    If you have a large or protective dog, keep it nearby when you go to the door. Allow your dog to bark and make noise while the stranger is present. Letting a potential intruder believe a protective pet is in the home may deter them from future visits.
  • Avoid Inviting Strangers Inside
    Even if a solicitor appears trustworthy, avoid inviting them into your home. If you’re interested in their service or product, request their company information and arrange an appointment for a later time. Setting appointments on your terms keeps you in control.
  • Use Your Home Alarm or Panic Button if Needed
    If your home has an alarm system, activate the panic button or trigger the alarm immediately if you feel unsafe. You can also use your car’s remote to set off its alarm, drawing attention to the situation and discouraging the stranger.
  • Trust Your Instincts
    If something feels off, don’t ignore your intuition. Politely decline any interaction and call 911 if you believe you’re in danger. It’s better to be overly cautious than to put yourself at risk.

Teach Family Members How to Safely Respond to Solicitors

Implementing these tips and sharing them with everyone in your household is key to protecting your home. Ensure that children understand the importance of not opening the door to strangers, even if the person appears harmless.

For added protection, install a peephole or security camera that allows every family member to see who is outside without opening the door. Advanced door cameras can even send alerts to your phone, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere.

Play It Safe and Protect Your Home from Solicitors

When someone unexpected comes to your door, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Avoiding interaction with strangers is the simplest way to prevent potential risks. By following these home security tips and adopting a “closed-door policy” for unknown visitors, you create a safer environment for you and your family.