Crime & Safety

Solicitor Complaints on the Rise

Walnut Creek police issue alert with advice for neighbors dealing with aggressive solicitors.

The better weather of late spring and summer brings an influx of door-to-door solicitors to Walnut Creek neighborhoods.

The Walnut Creek police issued an alert for neighbors to understand the legalities of solicitors. While the most frequent violations are for solicitors failing to obtain a permit from the city, police says, many people believe that means that person has undergone a criminal background check. That is not true, police say: "Our current Municipal Code does not allow for a denial of a permit based on prior criminal history or failure to disclose criminal history."

Tales of odd solicitor behavior abound in the police blotter. On Feb. 19, on Conejo Way, a well dressed man knocked at the door "asking to be adopted and would be back tomorrow," police reported — that one is from Patch's Creek Diva column.

From the WCPD alert:

It is legal for a person to solicit others at their homes as long as they obey the Walnut Creek Municipal Code's rules and regulations governing solicitors.

The common violations of solicitors are failing to obtain a permit from the City, disobeying a no solicitor sign, soliciting outside of the hours allowed and being too aggressive with citizens.

Suggestions regarding home solicitations:

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  • If you do not want your privacy disturbed post a "No Soliciting" sign clearly on your property (this can even be hand written).
  • You do not have to answer your door. You should always check to see who is at your door prior to opening it. If you are at all nervous listen to your intuition and do not answer your door.
  • If you want to report a solicitor who you believe is violating the Municipal Code or you suspect is violating or is about to violate any law you can call dispatch directly at (925) 935-6400. Remember to obtain a good description of the subject and/or vehicle (including license plate) and direction of travel to give to the dispatcher or officers.
  • Assist the officers with the investigation and inform them if you are requesting the solicitor be cited or you want the subject placed under citizens arrest (if applicable). You can also remain anonymous but this will limit what the officers can do.
  • Network with your neighbors to watch out for each other. If you have an aggressive solicitor, you may want to call your neighbors to warn them and call the police department.


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