Spooked by Scary Solicitors - Page 2

"Jorg, you sir are guilty of taking property from another person by force or fear—a violation of 211 PC, a felony," opined Craig L. "You better hope that the Sheriff does not show up, because your statement and this post would be evidence of your actions, if the person wishes prosecution. You are out of control."

Once Mr. A responded in defense of his approach, Jay B. continued the chatroom dogpile: "Regardless of your intention, you committed criminal act against another. The really bizarre part is you let everyone know about it on NextDoor."

Perhaps, but he certainly had his defenders on the string, with other Highland residents appreciating his proactive approach to crimefighting. "Jorg was correct to be suspicious. There are too many crooks wandering about taking advantage of our sympathy and generosity," clucked Albert K. "It is scary…but probably for both of you," reasoned Carol M. "We're all living in such fear…We have so much wealth…and so little personal security!"

We brought in the Sheriff for the last word. "We don't recommend opening the door at all for anybody," Detective Rosemary Blankswade, spokeswoman for the San Mateo County Sheriff, told us when we contacted them for this report. She was, of course, speaking primarily of "anybody you don't recognize," and the detective said the Office of the Sheriff "absolutely" does not recommend Jorg A.'s technique.

Blankswade said residents can call the Sheriffs' non-emergency line of 650-363-4911, but should not worry about calling 911 over a comparatively small matter of suspicion.

"The community's safety is the most important thing. People should not feel bad about calling it," she said assuredly. Her counterpart with San Mateo Police was equally emphatic.

"Anytime that anybody is ever in any doubt or feels uncomfortable [with solicitors], they can always call 911," said San Mateo Police Sgt. Amanda Von Glahn in a voicemail interview. "Your safety is most important, and not appearing rude to a stranger…is not as important for people to consider."

There are, of course, other considerations raised in the two NextDoor discussions—such as licensing for solicitors, the risk of forced entry through an opened front door, and possible strategies to repel a stranger at the door.

We will pick up those issues in part two of this story—right here next week.