Crime & Safety

Police Urge Residents to Be Wary of Solicitors

Door-to-door solicitors have been linked to burglaries, officials say.

The Seal Beach Police Department is warning the public about door-to-door solicitations.

Not all such solicitations are scams, but there are tips that should help people spot the fraudulent ones, said Sgt. Steve Bowles of the Seal Beach Police Department.

Bowles suggested being certain that all door-to-door solicitors have the required Seal Beach business license and always researching the company with the Better Business Bureau before writing a check. The research can be conducted for free at www.bbb.org.

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Bowles said door-to-door solicitors have been linked to residential burglaries and thefts. If a solicitor knocks on your door and you are not there, this may provide an opportunity for a solicitor to steal from your home or vehicles. They may also pose as tree trimmers, magazine salespersons, gardeners, carpet cleaning services or florists.

Anyone who is solicited should call the Seal Beach Police Department's non-emergency dispatch center at (562) 594-7232.

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