The Elgin Police Department is again alerting residents to be aware of aggressive solicitors who sometimes push the boundaries of local ordinances in an attempt to promote their services.
“Some solicitors are going door-to-door after dark to address Elgin’s foreclosure crisis,” said Elgin Crime Prevention Officer Cherie Aschenbrenner. “The city of Elgin is not endorsing any foreclosure program and residents with questions about vacant or foreclosed homes are encouraged to call Elgin’s Code Department.”
Elgin’s Code Department can be reached at (847) 931-5921.
Residents are also encouraged to call police if solicitors make them uncomfortable or solicitors are not wearing an identification badge.
In the city of Elgin, solicitors must:
• Obtain a city of Elgin permit prior to any door-to-door solicitation. Solicitors are then required to wear an identification badge at all times and be prepared to show their permit when asked.
• Solicit only between the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. No solicitation is allowed on Sunday.
• Leave a residence immediately if there is a “no solicitation/peddlers” sign or sticker on a resident’s door.
• Never misrepresent the quality, price or amount of goods, merchandise or services offered for sale.
• Never conduct peddling or solicitation activities contrary to the provisions contained in the city-issued permit.
Residents are encouraged to:
• Never open the door to someone they don’t know.
• Prominently display a sign on their front door that says “no solicitation” if they don’t want any solicitors/peddlers on their property.
• Never allow anyone into their homes.
• Call police immediately with a description of a solicitor who does not follow the regulations outlined above or if they are made to feel uncomfortable while a solicitor is at their door.