MOUNT VERNON — An unidentified man claiming to be working with a local Mount Vernon News carrier tried to force his way into a woman’s apartment at a senior living complex. In another case a man claiming to be selling subscriptions to the News and the Columbus Dispatch tried a similar tactic to gain entrance to a residence.
Mount Vernon Police Chief Mike Merrilees said police had been notified of the Dec. 24 incident of the man claiming to be “helping” the local carrier.
“We checked the area but didn’t find anyone,” Merrilees said. “If someone comes around and you’re not sure about them, call the police. We don’t mind getting those calls and we’ll check them out.”
He also reminded people that a person selling door-to-door has to have a permit from the mayor’s office.
“If someone tries to push their way in, call 9-1-1 if you have to,” Merrilees added.
News Circulation Director Mike McNichols said News carriers will knock on doors to solicit new customers but will always present themselves as a representative of the Mount Vernon News. Under no circumstance, he said, would a carrier have any reason to seek entrance to a residence.
“If anyone has concerns regarding inquiries made by our carriers, feel free to call our circulation department at 397-5333 to confirm the legitimacy of the request,” McNichols said.
Carriers do not collect money for subscriptions as customers are all billed through the News office.
