Hanover County Sheriff's Office warns residents about soliciting activity
HANOVER, VA (WWBT) - The Hanover County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about an increase in soliciting activity during the summer months.
"It is unlawful for a solicitor to enter the premises under false pretenses, remain on the premises after a request has been made for them to leave, enter a residence where the occupant has displayed a 'No Soliciting' sign and/or engage in solicitation any time prior to 9 a.m. or after sunset. A neighborhood that has posted a 'No Solicitation' sign at the entrance to a neighborhood is still subject to having solicitors enter the neighborhood legally. A general 'No Soliciting' sign for a neighborhood does not prohibit solicitors from going to individual residences," the Hanover County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.
The county has an "ordinance that governs the soliciting application process and provides a set of guidelines to permit, regulate and renew/revoke solicitors."
However, some solicitor activity is exempt from the county ordinance, including non-profit religious organizations, newspaper for home delivery, fresh farm products, insurance sales and canvassing on behalf of political candidates.
In order to have a solicitor to be approved in Hanover, they must complete an application, submit fingerprints, and consent to a criminal background check. The solicitor will then be issued a county permit, in which they must have visible when soliciting.\
Residents who suspect a solicitor violating the county ordinance should call the Hanover Emergency Communications Center (804-365-6140) so a deputy can respond to address any violations.
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