This just received from Terrie Johnston, Neighborhood Crime Prevention Coordinator, SPD North Precinct:

Dear Block Watch Captains/Contacts:  Sending you a few items of interest.

1. The North Precinct Burglary/Theft Unit continues to follow up on recent burglary arrests done by North Precinct patrol officers, and  due in some part to your watchfulness and good 9-1-1 calls.  The 19 year old serial occupied burglar and auto thief who was hitting the north end neighborhoods hard approx. 8 weeks ago has been charged with nearly 10 years.  He is in jail and won’t be released for a long time. 
2. A 39-year old, white female was arrested last week for multiple burglaries in the north end, some in which the residents were home at the time of the crime.  She confessed to detectives that she is an addict, and she preferred burglaries to prostitution. She spent the day with detectives showing them houses she had hit.  She told the detectives that she was surprised how many people leave their house keys out in  mailboxes; or on the front porch (she found keys in a pair of shoes on front porch).  Please re-think the hide-away key.  You may think it is unusual to put in under a paving stone, or huge flower pot, etc. but burglars who do this for a living, know our hiding spots.  She also told the detectives that she often looked in the windows and could see the desirable loot in plain sight (purses, cash, electronics).
3. I talked with a gentleman today who lives in the Maple Leaf neighborhood.  Evidently, yesterday during the glorious weather we had, he was gardening in the front yard.  A thief, unseen by neither the homeowner nor nearby neighbors, entered this home through the unlocked back door and took cash and prescription meds. from a back bedroom.   I know it may be inconvenient to keep your doors locked when you are home and gardening, but these crimes are quick and contribute to our burglary rate increases during summer months.  
4. The Phinney Ridge blog was filled with reports of suspicious magazine solicitors so I attach information on Residential Sales from the City’s Dept. of Finance and Admin. for your perusal.
5. National Night Out is coming on August 7^th but some block watchers are inquiring about registration already.  J  I will send out an email when the registration information is on the website.

Thanks for sharing this information with your neighbors and distribution lists. My office phone is 684-7711 here at the North Precinct.   Tj

Seattle Police Crime Prevention

206-684-7711

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SUBJECT: DOOR-TO-DOOR SELLERS

This is the peak time of year for door-to-door sales, including those using
traveling sales crews. There are many legitimate companies in this industry
with professionally trained salespeople, selling between the hours of 8:00am
and 9:00pm, and a long history of law-abiding customer service. There are,
however, less reputable companies in this business willing to take advantage of
unsuspecting individuals who trust people knocking at their door. Sometimes
residents forget to practice good personal safety.

Seattle Police officers respond to calls from citizens concerned about door-
to-door salespeople. The results have ranged from the officers checking
identification and sending the seller to the City of Seattle Revenue & Consumer
Affairs office for their business license, to arrests of individuals posing as
residential sellers, but wanted on warrants. There have also been arrests for
aggressive behavior, threats made against the resident, burglaries, and assaults.

Homeowners may consider posting a sign indicating “No agents,” “No peddlers,”
or “No Solicitors.” In Seattle, it is unlawful for any residential seller to attempt
to gain admittance for the purpose of selling at any residence displaying one of
these signs.

With these facts in mind, what should you do when a person knocks at
your door?

BEFORE OPENING YOUR DOOR: LOOK FOR PROPER IDENTIFICATION.
Acknowledge the knock since ignoring it may lead to an attempted burglary. It
is preferable to speak to strangers through your door. In Seattle, all door-to-
door sellers must display the residential sales identification which includes the
seller’s photograph on their outer clothing. The residential sales agent’s license
has the name of the licensee as well as the agent. It shall be endorsed with the
type of product or service being sold. The license is only valid for the product
or service specified. If you have any questions about whether a company is
properly licensed, call the City of Seattle’s Office of Revenue & Consumer Affairs
at 206-684-8136.

DISCLOSURE REQUIRED: Each residential seller shall, immediately upon
contacting the prospective buyer, disclose their name, company and the product
or service represented. If requested to do so, they shall leave the premises
immediately. If the individual does not leave, or if an attempt to gain access is
made by asking to use the bathroom, the phone or get a drink of water, refuse
the request and ask the individual to leave. If you feel intimidated, pressured, or threatened at any time, call 911.

USE GOOD JUDGEMENT: It is safer not to allow the salesperson into your home.
You are encouraged to avoid paying immediately. Do not give the salesperson
cash or a check, as it may be pocketed and you will never receive the product
ordered. Instead, find out from the seller how you can order directly from
the company or receive the bill upon receipt of the product/service. If the
salesperson is concerned about losing their commission for the sale, offer to
provide their name when placing your order.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: In Seattle, if you make a purchase, the salesperson
must tell you of your right to cancel the order and the contract must include a
statement regarding the right to cancel. For each sale of ten dollars or more,
the seller must provide a receipt or contract to the purchaser. Do not leave
any blanks on your contract. Be sure the contract or receipt is dated and that it
states the terms of the transaction, the amount of payment made and the name
and address of the residential seller. It must also include a notice informing
the buyer of their right to cancel the order any time prior to midnight of the
third business day after the date of the transaction. A completed Notice of
Cancellation (in duplicate) must be provided to the purchaser at the time they
purchase from the seller. You do not need to provide a reason for canceling
your order.

DO NOT GIVE IN TO HIGH PRESSURE TACTICS: Never be afraid to say “NO!”
If a salesperson in your home tries to pressure you into buying their product,
terminate your conversation with them. Take the time to contact the company
directly if you still have interest in the product or service. Avoid making an
immediate purchase in order to receive a “free gift.” If it sounds too good to be
true, it probably is.