2 Door-to-Door Solicitors Arrested in Los Altos Hills

Looks like Los Altos Hills is not immune to the growing door-to-door solicitor invasion that seems to be happening in the South Bay.

Earlier this month, two Birmingham, Ala. residents were arrested on Adobe Lane in Los Altos Hills for misdemeanor soliciting without a license.

Nykia Crum, 19, whose occupation was listed as an independent contractor, and Abraham Cook, 22, whose occupation was listed as a solicitor, were arrested at 4:45 p.m. Feb. 1 by Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies. Their bails were listed at $100 each.

Residents in Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Campbell are being warned that unwanted solicitors are canvassing neighborhoods identifying themselves as being part of several out-of-state magazine soliciting companies.

To lawfully solicit in the Town of Los Altos Hills, solicitors must get a permit from Town Hall. To lawfully solicit door-to-door in the City of Los Altos solicitors must be permitted by the Los Altos Police Department. 

A New York Times article, "For Youths, a Grim Tour on Magazine Crews," detailed the widespread problems with these itinerant sellers and violent crimes involving the sales crews.

According to the article, the industry remains almost entirely unregulated, and on any given day, there are probably about 2,500 people, typically ages 18-24, selling magazines door-to-door. Often, the operations are bogus, meaning you pay money and never receive a single issue.

The article, along with the seasonal proliferation of magazine solicitors around town neighborhoods, serves as an important reminder of how residents must be ever vigilant in protecting their families and homes, according to police.

Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to call police to report any suspicious people, vehicles or activity taking place in their neighborhoods.

Los Altos Hills residents may call 911, or (408) 868-6600 for the West Valley division of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.