Suspected Door-to-Door Solicitors Arrested in Macon-Bibb County, Permit is Required
Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (S.R.T.) deputies, in response to a suspicious person’s complaint on Holland Drive, took action resulting in the arrest of one male individual and the citation of another. The incident involved individuals from Florida who were reportedly going door-to-door selling alarm/monitoring services without the necessary Macon-Bibb County permit.
Upon arrival, deputies noted the absence of a valid permit, leading to enforcement actions. One male received a citation for engaging in commercial solicitation without proper authorization. The other individual, however, refused to comply with deputies’ instructions, leading to more severe charges. He was charged with commercial solicitation without a permit, providing false information (including name, address, or birthdate) to law enforcement, and obstructing law enforcement officers.
In light of this incident, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office emphasized several safety tips regarding door-to-door solicitation:
- Door-to-door solicitation is illegal in Macon-Bibb County without a valid permit.
- If a solicitor lacks the necessary permit, residents are urged to report them to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 751-7500.
- In cases of rudeness, aggression, or refusal to leave, immediate reporting to the Sheriff’s Office is recommended.
- Residents should not feel obliged to engage with solicitors and are encouraged to politely decline and close the door.
- Solicitors should never be allowed into one’s home.
- It’s important to note that some door-to-door solicitors encountered by law enforcement may have active warrants for various crimes, urging residents to exercise caution and vigilance.
- Door-to-door solicitation is prohibited after 8:00 p.m. and before 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and any state or federal holiday.
