The Simi Valley Police Department wants to make residents aware of two types of recently reported residential crimes.

The first involves residential burglars who knock on a homeowner’s front door to determine if anyone is home. If no one answers the knock, the thieves break in through a door or window and burglarize the home. This type of crime has occurred over the last several months.

Residents should be aware of suspicious behavior by individuals who do not appear to live in the neighborhood. Several recent arrests have been made in similar cases involving people who live outside the city or county. By maintaining neighborhood awareness, these crimes can be prevented and suspicious activity quickly reported to the police.

The second involves aggressive solicitors who use physical intimidation and high-pressure tactics when attempting to sell products or services through door-to-door sales. Several homeowners have reported that a salesperson will place their foot in the open doorway and attempt to prevent the homeowner from closing the door to end the sales pitch. This tactic is illegal and the behavior should not be tolerated. Anyone who has been the victim of these crimes should report them immediately.

All solicitors in the city are required to have a city-issued solicitor’s permit. Always ask to see the permit. If the solicitor does not have the permit, they should be reported to the police.

Residents can report suspicious activity to the Simi Valley Police Department by calling (805) 527-2911.