According to a city press release, Mercer Island has had a fair number of solicitors contacting residents at their homes over the past few weeks.

“We expect more, given the season,” said Ross Freeman, city communications and sustainability manager.

Soliciting is allowed under Mercer Island’s city code, but solicitors must have a city license and be willing to display it.

“If the solicitor uses threatening or coercive behavior, you should report that to the MIPD,” Freeman said.

The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) has received a number of recent complaints associated with aggressive soliciting techniques, but responding officers have found no criminal activity related to these solicitor visits.

Still, the city wanted to offer some helpful information that explains the license requirements, solicitor responsibilities, exemptions to the license and general tips for homeowners.

If you’d like to prevent these visits, post a “No Soliciting” sign. Most solicitors are not allowed to approach houses displaying these signs.

More information and a downloadable flyer is available at www.mercergov.org/soliciting.

To file a complaint, call the MIPD non-emergency dispatch number at 425- 577-5656.