As warm weather enters the area, so does a spike in the number of solicitors traveling door-to-door in Downers Grove.

The village and police department are reminding residents to be cautious. Police Sgt. David Bormann said commercial and non-commercial solicitors must apply for and display a permit badge.

“We want to know whose out there and knocking on peoples’ doors,” Bormann said. “You need to have the permit to identify who you are and that you are a legitimate business. If you’re not getting the permit, you can’t be there.”

That was the case with four people who recently were charged with commercial solicitation without a permit in Downers Grove.

Police said Sam Earl Briscoe, 22, of Mississippi, and Tyran Richard Harbor, 22, of Colorado, were selling magazines for “Face to Face Technologies” in the 4600 block of Prince Street May 18 without valid permits.

On May 24, police said Andrew L. Brickert, 20, of La Grange, and Anna B. Dickinson, 20, of Washington, also were charged for selling magazine subscriptions in the 5300 block of Florence Avenue.

In both instances, Bormann said homeowners noticed the lack of proper permit identification badges and called the police. The solicitors were picked up by officers as they continued to walk through each neighborhood, he added.

Solicitation permit violators usually face a fine of $100, Bormann said.

“If you do have a solicitor at your house and you don’t know who they are, I would not let them into your house,” he said.

Bormann added it is especially important senior citizens be cautious of people who come to the door saying they are there to inspect or fix something inside the home.

“No people solicit to check water heaters in the house,” he said.

Doug Kozlowski, village spokesman, said the fee for commercial solicitation permits is $25 and there is no fee for non-commercial permits.

“We average about 10 solicitation permits a year,” Kozlowski said.

Solicitation regulations
The village of Downers Grove divides solicitations into two groups — commercial and non-commercial solicitation. All solicitors are required to apply for a permit at Village Hall and wear an identification card. The village does not define solicitors as those are seeking or giving information for public opinion polls, political campaigns or pamphlet distribution.

COMMERCIAL The sale of for-profit goods, services or articles including magazine subscriptions, insurance policies, real estate listings or cleaning products. Commercial solicitation can take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays.

NON-COMMERCIAL The request of contributions such as money, property or financial assistance or the selling of items for charitable, religious or political causes. Non-commercial solicitation is allowed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. including weekends and holidays.