Manatee County Sheriff's Warning

Compliments of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit:

DOOR KNOCK NIGHTMARES

KNOCK, Knock… Who’s there?... The BAD GUY!... If only it was that easy to see them coming. When someone knocks on your door, are they there soliciting for good reasons or for bad? If you don’t know, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

- If you don’t know who it is, don’t open the door
o Talk to them through the door
o If they won’t leave, call 911
- Don’t ever show them any money, your wallet or your purse
- Don’t allow them to enter your home
- Don’t give out any personal information
o Don’t assume they know you if they use your name
- If they use your neighbor’s name, call your neighbor to confirm they sent them
o Some neighbors put their name on the exterior of their home
o They can also get a neighbor’s or even your name from the mail
- Use common sense and good judgment before you unlock and open your door to someone you don’t know

Remember, if you open the door, you have just jeopardized your and your family’s safety. Beware of suspicious people who solicit by knocking on your door. If they act suspicious or get demanding, call 911 immediately! Don’t ever hesitate to report any suspicious people or activity: It could make the difference between preventing/stopping a crime or becoming a victim.