As the holiday season picks up, Onslow County has typically seen an increase in door-to-door soliciting.
Onslow County Sheriff Chris Thomas would like to remind citizens that the county has a “soliciting” ordinance that prevents people from asking for money near businesses and on public streets and highways. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell, offer for sale, or solicit, or go door-to-door within the county without having first secured a peddler/solicitor’s permit from the county.
“We urge our community to stay vigilant when dealing with door-to-door salespersons,” said Sheriff Chris Thomas. “Always ask for identification, never share personal information, and don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement if something feels off. Your safety is our top priority.”
If someone comes to your door claiming to be a salesperson, always ask to see their county issued identification. Below is a sample of this ID. Possession of this ID means the Onslow County Sheriff's Office has vetted them.
Applications for peddler permits must be submitted to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, located at 717 Court Street in Jacksonville, on a form provided by the sheriff’s office during regular business hours (Mon.- Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Once the permit is obtained, peddling, soliciting, and selling shall be permitted only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. during Eastern Daylight Time and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time.
The peddler permit issued for that person shall be carried and always displayed while conducting such solicitations in such a manner as to be clearly visible to a reasonable person of adequate vision. The sheriff’s office shall approve or deny an application and issue a permit as soon as possible. Issued permits are nontransferable.
For more information or questions, please contact the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office at 910-455- 3113.
