Woodridge Newsletter: Police Safety Tips

(Snipped from the Village of Woodridge E-Newsletter, subscribe at: http://www.vil.woodridge.il.us/ )

Woodridge Police Offer Safety Tips to Deal with Door-to-Door
If you are approached by a door-to-door solicitor, the following tips will help keep you and your family safe:

• Follow identify theft prevention guidelines by never giving credit card or a check to anyone who solicits you that you do not know. It is often very difficult to determine if a door-to-door salesperson is legitimately representing an organization or charity.
• Whenever possible, look through a side window or peep hole before opening the door.
• Never open the door to someone you do not know. Remember, you are not obligated to open the door to a solicitor.
• Make sure to teach your children what to do if they are alone and someone comes to the door or is looking through windows.
• If you do not know a solicitor at the door, say, "No thank you" through the door and walk away.
• Do not be drawn into conversations with solicitors through the door. Responding or allowing a conversation to happen may encourage a solicitor to stay.
• If the solicitor does not leave peacefully, Call 911.
• Watch where the solicitor goes next and notice what they do. Look for suspicious behavior such as looking in car windows, testing doors for locks, or entering back yards.
• Call your neighbors and warn them to also watch for suspicious activity.
• If you notice any suspicious behavior, please call the Woodridge Police Department.

Remember that the Village of Woodridge licenses solicitation. If a solicitor approaches you that is not carrying proper identification, call the police. No solicitation notices are available through the Woodridge Police Department and can be requested by calling (630) 719-4745.