With the summer on the horizon, Mantua is warning residents to be wary of illegal solicitations during a time of year that usually sees an increase in cases.
The town also dealt with solicitors acting without a permit last year.
“Last year, the township committee and I voted unanimously to amend our solicitation codes to provide Mantua with some of the most stringent regulations, fines and penalties for illegal solicitation in our area,” said Mayor Robert Zimmerman.
This policy established that violations could result in fines of up to $2,000 and/or suspension or permanent revocation of a permit, if the offender has one. It also establishes that solicitors with permits must only conduct business within a certain time frame and not at homes with “no soliciting” signs.
“Please also be aware that all solicitors within our municipality must register with the township clerk’s office,” Zimmerman explained. “They are required to go through a police background check and pay a solicitation fee and must have an authorized permit from our township, and have it visibly displayed on their person when going door to door.”
Residents can apply for a no-knock decal on the township website, stop by the clerk’s office at the municipal building or call the office at (856) 468-1500, ext. 113, according to a township ordinance. Anyone who wants to solicit legally can also contact the above to get a license.
The ordinance also gives the police the right to investigate any cases of illegal soliciting within the township. Anyone who spots such activity is asked to contact the non-emergency police number at (856) 589-0911.
The police have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to such offenses, according to the mayor.
“Please don’t try to take matters into your own hands,” he warned. “Posting your experiences on social media after the fact is also not helpful. The best and only course of action should be calling the Mantua Township Police Department at (856) 589-0911.
“You must call at the time the incident is actually occurring, so our officers can investigate when the potential violations are actually being encountered.”
The township is anticipating an uptick in illegal solicitations, something that happens often this time of year.
