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