On social media, reports of a man, or men, attempting to sell cleaning products, particularly Lysol, door to door, prompted concern from residents who suspected they may have an ulterior motive of some sort. Some posts described one of the men as becoming irritated when turned away, but so far there have been no reports of illegal activity, outside of the unsanctioned solicitation.
In response to resident concerns, the Sparta Police Department issued the following statement: “The Sparta Police Department is aware of a social media post going around regarding individuals trying to sell cleaning products, specifically carrying a Lysol bottle. We currently have no solicitors registered with the township associated with any cleaning companies.
“The actors were described as two middle-aged men operating a black mustang or charger. The above actors were reported to be very pushy with their sales pitch and requested to enter the residence to ‘show their cleaning product.’ They also wanted our residents to complete a survey.
“We are asking the public to contact the police department if they observe the actors in their neighborhood. If you have video of the actors or their vehicle and would like to forward us a copy, please contact the Sparta Police Department.”
In addition to Sparta, the men were also reported being seen in Jefferson and Andover.
This is not the only door-to-door disturbance reported this summer. Several local residents, and area police, have also warned of driveway paving scammers who pull up into your driveway, tell you they have a surplus of asphalt, and then try to convince you to get your driveway paved for what they claim to be a discounted rate. According to West Milford police, the perpetrators then “spread a thin layer of tar and patchy asphalt and then demand an additional sum of money to complete the job or will ask for a check and later state the check has not cleared and want an additional check or money transfer.”
While these two different solicitations do not appear related, police do ask for the public to inform them if they see these sorts of door-to-door actors in their neighborhoods.
Sparta police can be reached at 973-729-6121.