Door-to-door salespeople becoming more aggressive

Washoe County sheriff’s deputies have been dispatched to several calls regarding door-to-door solicitation. Solicitors have been reported selling magazine subscriptions, household cleaners, and residential security systems. Some solicitors have been reported as being extremely aggressive.

On June 27 at approximately 3pm, concerned residents in the area of West Hidden Valley Drive and Mira Loma Drive called deputies in regards to magazine solicitors. Deputies contacted Sarah Proffitt, 27, of Sandy Ridge, N.C., Aaron Marcus, 24, of Richmond, Va., and Daniel Carlsen, 25, of Chicago. Not one had the proper license or work permit required and were subsequently arrested and transported to the Washoe County Detention Facility. All three subjects face charges of traveling merchant without a license and required work permit.

Deputies also contacted Michael Bailey, 31, of Willis, Texas. Bailey reportedly told deputies he transported the three subjects to the area in order to sell magazines. He was arrested on charges of an outstanding warrant and being in possession of marijuana.

There have been numerous door-to-door scams as well as burglaries possibly connected to solicitors casing neighborhoods. In the past, the vast majority of solicitors who have been contacted are not residents of Washoe County nor do they live in Nevada.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office offers these tips when dealing with solicitors:

* If you do not know the person, do not open your door. Don’t feel obligated to greet the unfamiliar person knocking at your door.

* If you are not interested in the item being offered, simply close the door and lock it. You do not owe the person an explanation.

* Stand in front of your home and see what is visible from the street. If you can see your valuable items through the front windows, so can potential burglars.

* Always keep doors and windows locked. Storm doors or security doors are helpful when dealing with solicitors because you can see and speak safely through the door. Never allow an unfamiliar person into your house.

* Call your local law enforcement agency if a solicitor is aggressively attempting to gain access into your home and/or refusing to show proper identification.

* If you see criminal or suspicious activity, call our non-emergency dispatch at (775) 832.9276.