No Solicitation

Recently we have had several solicitors in  our community. While we have our "No Solicitation" signs, it's obvious that not everyone abides by this warning. We contacted Sgt. Powell of the Horry County Police Department to ask what else could possibly be done to deter this unwanted activity. Sgt. Powell explained that while solicitation is unwanted it is not against the law. In addition, leaving materials in mail tubes is not against the law. However, he did offer some advice regarding door to door solicitation. The best way to discourage solicitors is to refrain from  talking with them except to say, "Solicitation is not allowed in our community." and NEVER buy from them. The most important thing we can do as a community is to be consistent in our handling of solicitors. If just one person buys something, solicitors will return again and again.

Sgt. Powell further stated that should a solicitor come to your door and you ask them to leave your property and they do not comply in a timely manner, you may call 911 (if possible provide a vehicle description and tag number ) as the solicitor(s) would be in violation of the trespass law. The key to this is "your property". If the solicitor moves on to a neighbor's house, they are not in violation of the trespass law.

If a solicitor or anyone looks like they are casing your home or the neighborhood, you should report this by calling the non-emergency line 248-1300 (again provide a vehicle description or tag number if possible). This is helpful to the police as they may have complaints from other areas or be looking for the stolen vehicle.

It will take our entire MTS community working together to stop unwanted solicitation. Please remain alert and know the number to call to report someone in violation of the trespass laws or to report suspicious activity.