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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Police advise using caution with door-to-door salesmen

Berks-Lehigh Regional Police received complaints from two separate residents, one from Boxwood Court, the other from Elderberry Drive, on July 30 and 31 about a male going through the neighborhood purporting to be an intern with the Parkland School District.

The male, who was carrying paperwork that appeared to be a spreadsheet, attempted to ask questions ranging from satisfaction with the school district to athletics.

After receiving these complaints, police checked with the school district and confirmed there was no intern working for the district no one should be going door-to-door on the district's behalf.

Further investigation revealed similar incidents occurred within the past month in both the Northwestern Lehigh and Nazareth school districts.

After speaking with representatives from both districts, police determined in at least one of the incidents, in Northwestern Lehigh, the person going door-to-door was a salesperson with the Southwestern Company, a book sales company.

Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Criminal Investigator Pete Nickischer conducted several interviews.

"I believe the two incidents in Upper Macungie are most likely related to the incidents in the other school districts," Nickischer said. "After residents are asked questions about their respective schools, the salesperson leads into a sales pitch for textbooks that can be purchased by the resident."

Nickischer said this was not the first time police received complaints from residents about deceptive sales tactics used by door-to-door solicitors.

"The United States Supreme Court has ruled that door-to-door solicitation is legal, however, I would strongly urge residents to use good common sense when speaking with someone who is representing themselves as being associated with a school district," Nickischer said. "If you are interested in making a purchase, I see nothing wrong with advising the salesperson they can come back after you've confirmed their affiliation with your school either by talking with the school district or contacting police.

Nickischer said if a salesperson uses deceptive tactics then the homeowner should consider finding a salesperson who is trustworthy before making a purchase.

"As with any profession, there are those who will always give others a bad name," Nickischer said. "Make wise choices, and never hesitate to contact your local or state police when in doubt."