TexasCHLforum.com

Excalibur ...







well-stated as always, sir

Bart wrote:1. Put up a "NO SOLICITING" sign and video cameras.
2. DIsconnect the doorbell and rig the button to trigger bear spray.
3. Post the videos on youtube.

Texas Penal Code Sec. 9.44. USE OF DEVICE TO PROTECT PROPERTY. The justification afforded by Sections 9.41 and 9.43 applies to the use of a device to protect land or tangible, movable property if:(1) the device is not designed to cause, or known by the actor to create a substantial risk of causing, death or serious bodily injury; and(2) use of the device is reasonable under all the circumstances as the actor reasonably believes them to be when he installs the device.

thenick_ttu wrote:I gotta admit after reading some of the responses, I may now see this situtation through the OP's eyes. I haven't had much experience with solicitors (on the homeowner side, anyway) and I never thought about the fact that these guys might just be fishing for easy targets. This thread has definitely opened my eyes to this situation and I'll have to re-consider my future interactions with these people.

That's what I love about this place... lots of great info and different opinions that can help us all to be enlightened (especially me).

seriously, kudos for having an open mind and ability to see other points of view

thenick, these laws requiring permits are in place for a reason. It is officer discretion whether a warning or citation is issued in most cases, but a homeowner is perfectly reasonable and justified to inform police of non-permitted persons selling door-to-door. If you were innocently unaware of permit requirement and knocking for church or scouts or whatever, my guess is officer would give you a warning and tell you to get a permit for next time.

But some people knocking on doors really are up to no good, and others are just habitual annoyances who know permits are required but don't think they'll be caught or just write off citations as a cost of doing business - either way, folks like this DESERVE the police call out.