Recent reports and postings on Facebook from Kosciusko County residents imply that something is amiss with door-to-door salesmen, but the sheriff’s department says the story is nothing but rumors.

People have asked on our Facebook page and emailed StaceyPageOnline.com about alleged incidents of men approaching houses claiming to be selling “air fresheners.” The product is said to actually be pepper spray, which the subjects use to disable their victim(s) and rob them.

There have also been reports of a white van being driven by an unknown subject allegedly going to door to door disguised as a salesman with an actual intent to rob people.

Sgt. Chad Hill of the KCSD tells StaceyPageOnline.com today that there was only one reported allegation of men saying they were selling air fresheners. There have, however, been other reports of a white van going door to door.

Hanna Losee of Etna Green, called 9-1-1 at 6:58 p.m. Tuesday to report the air freshener incident that has people worried.

Losee reported that the subject knocked on her door and once open he displayed a can. She immediately slammed the door and called 9-1-1 and provided the vehicle description and direction of travel.

Hill says that the white van that was being driven by the subject was stopped about 30 minutes after Losee’s call. A deputy confirmed the van belongs to a vacuum and cleaning supplies salesman who has all of the proper permits and identification. The salesman also had cans of Glade air freshener that are used to engage potential customers in conversation.

Sgt. Hill adds there have been no reports of any robberies or other incidents related to the case stated above. Hills says anyone who goes to a door claiming to be selling something is not committing an illegal act. Salesmen selling door to door in the county do not require a permit.

Anyone with information of illegal activity is always encouraged to call the KCSD at 574-267-5667.