Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Complaints about Door-To-Door Salesmen by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs

Question

Er Lee Bee Wah: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs –

1. Whether the Police has received complaints about

(a) the activities of itinerant door-to-door salesmen who peddle their wares when most people are at work leaving only the domestic helpers, the elderly and the children at home;

(b) the coercion put on residents by these salesmen to let them into their homes;

2. What are the common complaints received about such salesmen;

3. What action has been taken; and

4. Whether Neighbourhood Police Posts can organise campaigns for HDB residents on what to do when such salesmen call at their homes.

Answer by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs

1. The Police do not track the number of reports lodged against the activities of itinerant door-to-door salesmen, as door-to-door sales does not constitute a criminal offence that police officers attend to. Itinerant hawkers who carry and peddle food or goods from place to place or door-to-door without a licence are liable to be charged for illegal hawking under the Environmental Public Health Act, which is enforced by the National Environment Agency (NEA). First-time offenders will face a fine of up to $5,000.

2. The Police will work closely with the NEA in cases where door-to-door salesmen cause public nuisance or commit other offences such as cheating under the guise of door-to-door sales. Members of the public are advised not to allow anyone to enter their houses, whether door-to-door salesmen or other persons, without verifying the identity of the person. If in doubt, members of the public should verify his identify with his company. If a person enters or attempts to enter a home without permission or proper authority, then the home owner or occupant should seek assistance from the Police. The Neighbourhood Police Centres will include such advice to residents in their crime prevention outreach activities.