While some solicitors are legitimate, others may be scouting homes for burglaries. Distraction burglaries involve individuals going door to door disguising themselves as repair people, workers, or persons in need of help. Before you open your door to a solicitor, consider the following:

•  If you don’t know the person, don’t open the door. 
•  If you didn’t call, don't let strangers into your home—this includes workers.
•  Ask for identification from company representatives. 
•  Solicitors must have a business license and be permitted to do business in the City of San Gabriel.
•  Call the police if a solicitor is aggressively attempting to get into your home or refusing to show their license/permit. 
•  If you are not interested, simply close the door and lock it. You don’t owe the person an explanation. 

 Make your presence known. Most residential burglars avoid locations when they know someone is home. While we generally recommend you don’t open the door to strangers, the San Gabriel Police Department strongly recommends you ensure they know you’re home. “Knock-Knock” burglaries occur when burglars don’t get a response at the door, and then sometimes make their way to the side or back of the house to find an open door or window to get in, while others may just kick in the front door to gain entry. 

 You and your neighbors are the best defense against residential burglaries. If you see suspicious people or it doesn’t look right, call the police to investigate, you may be right!