Interestingly, MPD just today sent out a mass e-mail on door-to-door scams:
Each year I deal with a number of complaints about door to door solicitors. If anyone comes to your door trying to sell you anything, take orders for future delivery or tries to sell you any type of alarm system, make sure they have a Minneapolis Solicitors License. When you open the door, the first words you should be saying are, let me see you Minneapolis Solicitors License. It they don’t have one, send them on their way and call 911. Don't be afraid to call 911. A 911 police call is NOT just for emergencies, it's also any time you want to report illegal or suspicious activity or want a police squad for some other reason. Tell the 911 operator that an unlicensed solicitor is going door to door on your block.
This includes people going around door to door selling magazines.
Once someone signs a contract with an unlicensed solicitor, its very difficult to get them out of it and trying to get a hold of someone from the company is extremely frustrating. Help your neighbor, if they come to your door, take appropriate action.
Remember please:
1. Please pass this information on to your neighbors if they do not receive these emails (copy emails and paste them into a new message rather than forwarding them). Tell your neighbors how to sign up for these alerts – visit
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/ ... signup.asp.
2. Please let your block club members know about these events.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 on any suspicious activity, persons, or vehicles.
4. Watch for people on the street before exiting your home or vehicle.
5. When you get into your car, lock your doors and do not just sit in the parked vehicle.
6. Do not carry excessive cash, credit cards, or other items. Bring only what you need.
7. Write down the numbers and contact information for all your credit/debit cards so you can call and cancel them immediately if they are taken or lost. Keep this information in a safe location.
8. Get involved with (or start) your neighborhoods Crime & Safety committee
1. If you have information on a crime please call the MPD Tips Line at (612) 692-8477.
2. If you witness a crime, try to look for this information:
1. People: Estimated height, weight, build, age, race, gender, distinguishing features, and clothing.
2. Vehicle: License plate number, make, model, year, and color.
3. People and vehicles: Time they came/left, and what direction they were last seen headed.
4. Also note if a weapon is involved.
For additional crime prevention resources please visit the City of Minneapolis ’s crime prevention website at
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/ ... revention/.
Again, please call 911 with suspicious person/activity complaints if you see something out of the ordinary.