Door knockers arrested in Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A group of solicitors were arrested for door-knocking in Amsterdam. “If anyone comes knocking on your door as a stranger and attempts to say or solicit anything, you don't have to open the door. Call the police.” And that’s what Amsterdam Mayor Michael Cinquanti says someone did.

Police say the three men were going door to door on the west side asking homeowners for their personal information on their National Grid account. Police confirmed they were employees of a solar company but did not have the proper paperwork for operating in the city. “To go door to door soliciting anything in our city, you need to have a permit. And there are currently no active permits,” said Mayor Cinquanti.

After some door knocking, NEWS10 crews met homeowner Art Iannuzzi, who shared his ring cam video, which captured the moment one of the solicitors came to his door. In the video, you can see a man come to the door and knock. “He says something inaudible,” said Iannuzzi.

Some of the folks NEWS10 spoke to on Phillips Street did not want to go on camera but told reporter James De La Fuente they were embarrassed because they gave out their information to the men.

“We have a lot of elderly living in our city and a lot of people who live alone. They are intimidated, they are vulnerable, and we don't like people coming in here and taking advantage of them,” said Cinquanti.

In a statement from National Grid, the company recommends always exercising caution when it comes to sharing your information with others. They say energy companies do not need a customer’s account or bill information unless that customer intends to enter an agreement with the other company.

The police say the men work at PTM Solar. They say the men ignored their order and continued door-knocking. The men were charged with solicitation.

NEWS10 has reached out to PTM Solar for comment. They responded by saying they are looking into our request. The three men arrested were released on appearance tickets to return to court on March 15.