SILVERHILL, Alabama — Silverhill Police Chief Kim Wasdin is urging residents, especially older residents, to use caution when dealing with door-to-door salesmen after a few incidents were reported in the town over the last week.

“We just want the elderly to be more wary of who they let into their homes,” Wasdin said. “And we can’t stress enough that if someone comes to your home that you don’t know, don’t hesitate to call the police.”

Wasdin said several incidents of salesmen operating within the town limits without a business license were reported over the last several days, but in some instances, no report was filed.

“There’s not a whole lot our officers can do if we are not contacted,” she said. “We just want people to be aware, particularly the elderly, and to use extreme caution before letting someone you don’t know enter your home.”

Much of the advice offered is just a matter of using common sense, she said.

“First and foremost, if someone knocks on your door and you don’t know who it is, you don’t have to open the door,” she said. “If you don’t already have a screen door, we suggest you get one and you can communicate with them through the screen door.”

Residents are also encouraged to contact law enforcement if they see an unknown vehicle in their neighborhood, Wasdin said.

The police department is in the process of working with town officials and residential groups to form a Neighborhood Watch Program, Wasdin said.

“We are hoping to have an organizational meeting in the near future,” she said. “We will post the meeting date and time on the sign in front of town hall and we encourage everyone in town, not just senior citizens, to participate.”

For more information, contact the Silverhill Police Department at 251-945-5200.