Door knocks from solicitors could start to dwindle in the city of Bixby.
The city is implementing a new “no-knock” list that would keep unwanted door-to-door salesmen away from homes.
The “no-knock” list is a lot like a “do not call list” for solicitors. A simple registration with the city would make knocks on your door from salesmen illegal.
“It is kind of scary if you don't know who's outside your door,” said Bixby resident Larry Byrd.
Not many solicitors knock on Byrd’s door, but even once in a while someone will come by.
“I had one guy come up selling some kind of cleaner, not dressed real nice, and kind of suspicious looking,” said Byrd. “I try to look out the window if I catch them before they get to the door.”
“We want our city safe. We want a safe city, and we want to know who's doing business here,” said Bixby city council member Brian Guthrie.
After several months of discussion, the “no-knock” list ordinance was put into place in April.
Not only would homeowners be given the choice to nix the nuisance, but it holds solicitors accountable as well.
“They’re going to have to go to the city and get a license. If you see someone in your neighborhood knocking on doors and they don't have that license displayed on their person, you should call Bixby police,” said Guthrie.
Solicitors that do not honor the list could be fined up to $500.
Religious and nonprofit organizations are exempt from the ordinance, but keeping suspicious salesmen away from homes is putting the minds of Bixby residents at ease.
“I sure wouldn't want anyone coming in and invading my home for sure,” said Byrd. “They’re looking out for their people, and I appreciate that a lot.”
So far, about four hundred people have signed up in town. Residents will have to re-register every two years.
