Hempstead Launches 'Do Not Knock' Program To Combat Door-To-Door Solicitors
LEVITTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Hempstead homeowners will soon receive a "do not knock" decal for their front doors for the purpose of keeping unwanted peddlers away.
Town Supervisor Kate Murray announced the new program Monday, WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported.
"There is a reasonable expectation of privacy and peace in one's home," Murray said.
Violators could be fined up to $500 under the new program, similar to one in Oyster Bay.
"If they are ethical peddlers, they will respect it and walk away," Murray said.
Complaints from homeowners prompted the "do not knock" program, Murray said.
Margaret Tartabono, of Levittown, was among those complaining.
"If I need to have a dormer put on or a roof put on, I will go to those people," she said. "I don't think I need to have them at 5 o'clock at my door."
Tartabono said the disruptions always seem to happen around dinnertime.