Borough warns residents about unpermitted door‑to‑door solicitors; advises police reports for enforcement

Murrysville Chief Administrator Michael told council on July 14 that the borough has received multiple complaints about door‑to‑door solicitation, including from pest control companies. He said the borough issues solicitation permits to businesses that follow rules, provides them a copy of the municipal do‑not‑knock list, and requires permit holders to carry and display permit information upon request.

Michael said the borough recently granted a solicitation permit to Fox Pest Control and that First Energy and other companies are not involved in this permit program. He said enforcement is difficult when residents do not report incidents in real time because the borough then lacks on‑site identification or permit information. "If somebody is knocking at your door and they shouldn't be . . . if you're able to obtain any information, a name, ask them for a permit, anything like that, and give us a call right away, it will help to try to track them down and and enforce," Michael advised.

When asked whether permit holders are informed not to knock where a no-solicitation sign or a no-trespassing sign is posted, Michael said permittees are provided the do‑not‑knock list and are advised about property postings and trespass restrictions at the time of permitting. He said immediate incidents of trespass or unwanted solicitors should be reported to police (911 or the non‑emergency line); administrative changes to the do‑not‑knock list are handled by borough staff.

Michael asked residents to secure evidence (names, photos, video) and to call police if they encounter unpermitted activity so enforcement can proceed promptly.