The Midland Police Department (MPD) has offered advice to residents regarding door-to-door solicitors after fielding numerous questions and complaints about them.
According to a July 16 MPD Facebook post, not every solicitor is following the city of Midland guidelines and some have not received a solicitor’s permit. This prompted authorities to warn Midlanders to remain vigilant.
The post primarily stresses that citizens do not have to answer the door, especially at nighttime.
Solicitors are expected to adhere to residents’ wishes, particularly when the property has a "No Trespassing" or a "No Soliciting" sign, according to the post.
Residents are instructed to ask solicitors for credentials such as name, company, business address, and phone number.
Solicitors registered with the city must wear their city-issued photo badge.
MPD has imposed specific hours during which solicitors can make their rounds. From November 1 to April 1, they can approach residences from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and from April 2 to October 31, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the post.
If any solicitors are spotted working after hours, police should be called.
Anyone who feels uncomfortable or suspicious about solicitors is urged to immediately call MPD at (432) 685-7110. The call is recorded to help determine whether or not a particular company gets its soliciting privileges revoked, according to the post.