Houlton police warn of phony solicitations

HOULTON – Police are cautioning residents to be aware of phony fund-raising solicitations.

Two such incidents have been reported so far this summer in which teen-agers went door to door and solicited money or bottles and cans to benefit local clubs, schools or organizations, according to Houlton Police Chief Daniel Soucy.

Soucy said those groups were not conducting fund-raisers at the time. Instead the youths were using the proceeds of their efforts for themselves.

The chief said it was not his intention to alarm residents or to affect legitimate fund-raising efforts. Rather, he said, he wanted people to be sure whom they were donating to and for what.

If they have questions, people should contact the sponsoring organization or local police, Soucy said.