Full Notification

Each year when the weather warms, the Newton police receive an influx of calls regarding people going door-to-door selling items (most often magazines or meat products and home improvement work). Often the complaints are that the people are rude or “pushy” and use high-pressure tactics while trying to convince people to buy something. In some instances, solicitors have been known to thrust a foot inside the door so that the homeowner cannot close it.

Anyone canvassing door-to-door seeking to sell anything for a profit must first apply at the Police Department to obtain a permit to solicit. During the applicant’s appointment at the station, a $5 fee is paid, a photograph is taken and local background check is completed. State law does not allow us to perform full background checks on these people.

Once police approval is granted, a registered individual is provided with an ID tag that contains the following information.
1. Color photo of the solicitor
3. Announcement across the top indicating that it is a Registered Solicitor
4. Name of solicitor
5. Name and phone number of soliciting company or organization
6. A statement that the permit is valid for 1 year.

All solicitors are required to keep this ID with them while canvassing and it must be provided for inspection at the request of a homeowner, merchant or police officer.

Anyone canvassing for profit without proper registration is subject to criminal charges and even arrest.

A Solicitor may not solicit after 6:00 p.m. unless he has notified the Chief of Police to which streets they intend to solicit on.

Regardless of the legitimacy of a company or organization being represented, the Newton Police Department emphasizes the importance of not allowing strangers into your home. Any interaction you choose to conduct should be done outside. While most solicitors are legitimate and harmless, allowing anyone entrance inside creates the possibility for someone to “case” the interior of the home to see if there is anything of value to steal at a later time.

If you have any questions regarding someone at your door, contact the police department at 617-796-2100 and an officer will be dispatched to investigate. If safe to do so, a description of the solicitor and a motor vehicle if one is used, and the last known direction of travel, is always helpful.

A good rule of thumb is if you didn’t seek out the item, you probably don’t need it.