Solicitor Warning Issued In Horsham

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — Horsham Community Police Services is warning residents about more solicitors showing up in the township now that the weather is warming up.

Horsham ChATs said summer brings the ever-present solicitors into township neighborhoods.

Horsham ChATs said the township has rules regulating the conduct of solicitors:

• The peddler shall carry official identification, such as a driver's license, upon his or her person at all times and shall exhibit it upon request of any person to whom the peddler is attempting to peddle.
• The peddler shall not enter or attempt to enter any dwelling house or place of business without the invitation or permission of the occupant and shall immediately leave the premises upon request.
• The peddler shall only engage in peddling or soliciting within the Township on Monday through Saturday during daylight hours. No peddling shall be allowed on Sundays or on any state or federal legal holidays.
• The peddler shall not call out or shout to sell his or her services or goods, nor shall the peddler use any loudspeaker or horn or other device for announcing his or her presence by which the public is annoyed.
• The peddler shall not occupy any fixed location upon or along any of the streets, alleys or sidewalks of the Township for the purpose of peddling or soliciting, with or without any stand, counter or cart.
• The peddler shall not peddle in any Township park without first acquiring a permit from the Township's Zoning Officer.
• The peddler shall not park any vehicle upon or along any of the streets, alleys or sidewalks of the Township for the purpose of sorting, rearranging or cleaning any of his or her goods, wares or merchandise or of disposing of any carton, wrapping material or of any stock or wares or foodstuffs that have become unsaleable through handling, age or otherwise.
• If you are concerned about the conduct or legitimacy of a peddler we suggest not opening the door or confronting the solicitor. Call 911 and request and officer be sent to investigate.

All such persons, however, shall carry official identification, such as a driver's license, upon his or her person at all times and shall exhibit it upon request of any person to whom the peddler is attempting to solicit.

The following persons are exempt for the ordinance:

Persons or organizations engaged in door-to-door canvassing on religious or political subjects, or distributing religious or political handbills, shall be exempt from the license requirements of this chapter.