Sandy Springs Police Tips on Suspicious Knocks on the Door

Sandy Springs Police Crime Prevention Specialist Larry Jacobs offers the following tips on how to identify suspicious behavior in your neighborhood and ways to avoid becoming a victim.

Door to door solicitation

Individuals who represent themselves as a legitimate business are often times conducting fraudulent or potential criminal activity. The following are suggestions about how to create and maintain a safe and secure residential environment and how to handle the unwanted or unauthorized solicitor.

• If a persons behavior is deemed to be suspicious, you should call 911.

• If you receive any knock at the door and an unfamiliar person is observed, you should be very cautious about opening the door.

• It is important to note that a knock on the door should not go unanswered in some manner—whether opening the door or talking through the door. Criminals posing as a legitimate solicitor are looking for an empty house to eventually commit a burglary so it is important to know someway to let them know you are there.

• Home Invasions can be the result of a door - to - door solicitor. If someone is at the door claiming to require assistance, NEVER OPEN THE DOOR - CALL 911.

• Citizens who have experienced an illegal solicitor or suspicious person should alert their neighbors in the immediate area. Hence the importance of the Neighborhood Watch Program.

• It is recommended that you do not engage or enter into a discussion about the purchase of items or services from any one who initiates contact with them. If items or services are needed, you should pursue the purchase through established businesses.

• All businesses in Sandy Springs Businesses must have a permit to operate, this includes the door - to - door solicitor per City Ordinance 26-217. The ordinance requires the person to have on their person a permit that can be produced on request; except religious organizations. Any solicitor that claims not to have one or has left it somewhere should be considered illegitimate.

 Contact Officer Larry Jacobs with any questions or concerns at 770-551-3328.