Upper Gwynedd Police Warn of Illegal Solicitation

While no criminal activity has occurred in Upper Gwynedd Township regarding solicitors, the police department has been receiving complaints from residents regarding such activity.

The complaints involve home remodelers, electric suppliers and meat and seafood vendors, police said.

Solicitors in the township must obtain a permit from the police department and it must be displayed by the soliciting individual. Ask to see this permit.

Upper Gwynedd Police suggest residents be cautious whenever opening the door to a stranger; if you are unsure, don't open the door. Feel free to call 911 to have an officer investigate any solicitation. You can also email PoliceTips@UpperGwynedd.org.

Know the township ordinance as it relates to commercial solicitation in Upper Gwynedd:

• Solicitors are prohibited from soliciting at any time on Sunday or upon any other day of the week before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m., except upon invitation from or an appointment with the resident.
• Solicitors are required to obtain a permit issued by the Upper Gwynedd Police Department.
• The permit will be issued in card form and must be displayed by the individual to whom it was issued. Soliciting Permits are tan in color and measure 3.5 inches by 4.5 inches.
• The permit will contain the following: Number of permit, fee paid, date of issue, expiration date, name, age, height and weight, name of employer, address and signature of holder. The reverse side of such permit shall contain any regulations in effect and controlling the holder, as well as any conditions and/or limitations to which such permit is subject.
• Persons seeking a permit are subject to a criminal history check
• All permits issued by the department must be signed by the chief of police
• All permits are subject to revocation for violations
• Violations can result in fines of up to $1,000 for each violation.