‘Vacuum salesmen’ targeting Canonsburg residences
The men who had been going door to door in Bethel Park armed with a can of fabric refresher as they tried to sell vacuum cleaners apparently have moved on to Canonsburg, prompting borough police to warn residents not to allow the men into their homes.
Canonsburg police started receiving complaints last week from residents in the borough’s East End. One of the first calls came in about 8:40 p.m. Wednesday from a resident of Julia Drive who said a man knocked on her door and wanted to sell her a Kirby vacuum cleaner. He left when she said she was calling police. A resident of Duquesne Avenue called police on Thursday after she also received a visit from a man holding a can of fabric refresher and trying to sell vacuum cleaners. Residents of Martin Drive sent an email informing police that a man holding a can of Febreeze had knocked on their door and rang the doorbell about 8:30 p.m. They refused to fully open the door for him.
On Friday afternoon, Mayor David Rhome was on Highland Avenue doing an assessment for a request for a handicap parking space when he noticed a man coming off a porch holding a can of Febreeze in his hands.
“He said he was selling vacuum cleaners,” Rhome said. “I told him who I was and asked if he had a permit. He said he did but then starting fumbling around.”
Rhome said the man took him to his foreman’s vehicle, where it was determined they had no permit to solicit in the borough. The mayor said there were several other men in the vehicle.
“They knock on the door holding the bottle of fabric refresher, trying to sell them a vacuum cleaner and trying to get into the house,” said Sgt. Loren Cochran. “I am concerned what will happen if they do get into the house.
“When multiple people are involved, the one keeps the resident busy with the vacuum while the partner sneaks into the house and goes through drawers. It isn’t until they are gone that the resident realizes things have been stolen,” the sergeant added. “This hasn’t happened yet, but we are trying to avoid it.”
Cochran said residents should not allow these people to enter their homes.
“Neighbors have to watch out for each other,” Rhome said. “If it doesn’t look right, call police. Don’t wait to call.”
The men reportedly have been seen in a maroon van with Ohio license plates. Anyone who is approached or sees suspicious activity should immediately call 911.