Police Warn Residents of 'Urban Development' Solicitors

warn residents to look out for solicitors operating under the guise of a nonprofit called Urban Development (also known as Urban One, Urban Nation, Urban Development, Urban Success, and Urban Development Solutions).

Police have received several complaints of representatives from this organization who attempt to sell magazine subscriptions door-to-door. According to police, the organization recruits individuals who tend to have criminal backgrounds and are trained to repeat a "struggling college student speech" to customers. The group moves solicitors all over the country.

Complaints further allege that the solicitors commit or attempt to commit crimes of opportunity, including burglary, larceny, and sexual assault while selling subscriptions. There have been reports of fights and drug use at local hotels where the solicitors stay, according to police.

According to the department, residents should not engage with the solicitors and should report any issues to dispatchers by calling 203-254-4800.