Tellico Village is “No Soliciting” community with signs posted at the entrances of the neighborhoods usually below the Neighborhood Watch signs. However, at times, this does not deter solicitors from attempting to get your business. But are they really solicitors? It’s up to you to keep your eyes and ears open for suspicious activity from these unwelcomed guests.
- Are they going door to door?
- Do they look professional and have a uniform or some type of identification?
- Is there a company car they are in driving from one street to the next?
- What are they selling? Or asking for?
These are just a few things to take note of when someone knocks on your door.
- Never open the door to someone you do not know.
- Always look through a peephole or window and see who it is.
- If you do not know them, politely say “No thank you” through the door and walk away. Do not engage in conversation if you do not have to.
- If you do answer the door or they catch you outside your home, make sure to take note of the company they work for and look for identification. If they are handing out a flyer, kindly take one so you have the information to forward to the POA.
- 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.
The POA wants to know if you observe any solicitors in Tellico Village. They will contact the company involved and let them know it is not allowed in the area.
- During business hours only, contact the POA / ACC at (865) 458-5408, dial 0 and the operator will assist you.
- After hours, contact the POA / Public Works office at (865) 458-4522 and leave a message. Someone will notify them and they will try to send someone out as soon as possible.
What happens if the solicitor gets aggressive or you suspect they are not legitimate? Do not engage in any argument with that person. Pay attention what direction they go and take down a description and any vehicle information and contact local law enforcement to come out.
If the person will not leave and you feel threatened, immediately call 911. In other instances, you can call the non-emergency numbers for the Sheriff’s Departments.
- Loudon County Sheriff Department at (865) 458-9081
- Monroe County Sheriff Department at (423) 422-4357
