How to handle solicitors in Eagle Nest

Spring is here, and for neighborhoods like Eagle Nest that means the season for solicitors has begun. Painters, tree-removal firms, window replacement companies, roofing and construction repairers -- all will be coming out of the woodwork.

Several Eagle Nest Board residents this week reported aggressive "coalition'' representatives canvasing the development collecting signatures and seeking donations, all while claiming they had city permits that allowed them to conduct business. That may be, but they worked the neighborhood well after sunset, ringing doorbells after 9 p.m., even arguing with one cul-de-sac neighbor who chastised them for the late call. And rightly so.

The Board is not a substitute for the police and has no authority over solicitors, and residents are reminded to use extreme caution if your home is approached by a stranger, especially at odd hours. Residents are encouraged to follow these steps if your doorbell rings with unwanted sales pitches:

1. Remind solicitors that the entire neighborhood is considered a "no soliciting" zone ("No Soliciting" signs are posted at the entrances) and that they should heed the message.

2. Residents have legal rights. If you have a "No Soliciting" sign on your property (i.e. door or window decal, etc.) and a solicitor enters your property, they are breaking the law. You have every right to call the police and file trespassing or harassment charges.

3. If a solicitor persists and refuses to leave your property, politely tell them that you decline their products or services, that you want them to leave and that you will call the police if they don't comply immediately.

4. If a solicitor becomes aggressive, abusive or insulting, call 911. Be sure to get the solicitor's license plate, if possible, or a description of the person so police can be alerted later, if needed.

5. Mailboxes are for official government use and postage-paid items, so solicitors are breaking the law if they place pamphlets or fliers in or on the actual box itself, including the letter flag. If you see such advertisements attached to your box, confiscate the material and file a complaint with the United States Post Office. Companies in violation are subject to fines for each violation -- and our neighborhood has 419 homes.

6. Explain to solicitors that those who disregard our "no soliciting" notices could find themselves on our neighborhood "black list" of unwelcome vendors and services.

-- The Eagle Nest Board

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