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Bexley: Beware of door-to-door solicitors
(by Rachel Scofield, staff writer - June 11, 2009)
Bexley city officials are warning residents to beware of door-to-door solicitors.
City Attorney Lou Chodosh says anyone who approaches a home for a sales call, survey or political cause must undergo a background check with the city.
Once they have done so, the city will issue them a pass that they must wear prominently.
They may not ring the doorbell or knock more than once, nor may they arrive after dusk, Chodosh said.
“If someone rings your doorbell and doesn’t have proper credentials – close the door and call the police,” Chodosh said.
“It happened to me,” Chodosh said. “They continued to ring the doorbell, and they continued to knock. Bexley and a few other communities seem to be targeted. They seem to think we have an abundance of money.”
Councilman Rick Weber said he fears for his 87-year old mother. If she heard someone ring her doorbell at night, “She would jump out of bed – as much as she can jump.”
“What bothers me is the young parent home alone trying to get kids to bed,” Chodosh.
The solicitor ordinance does not apply to Bexley children trying to raise money for their schools or clubs.
“Christmas wrapping paper can still be sold door-to-door,” Chodosh said.
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