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TikTok Door-Kick Challenge
Police warn the trend can result in serious felony charges or in some cases, the homeowner using force in self-defense.
MURRIETA, Calif. - Some are calling it an "amped up version of Ding Dong Ditch."
The internet, meanwhile, is calling it the "Door Kick" TikTok challenge.
Now, police are warning residents of the latest dangerous social media trend that is causing concern among residents in multiple states, including California, Washington, Florida, and Texas.
What is the ‘Door Kick’ TikTok challenge?
Big picture view:
In the challenge, kids are seen walking up to a random stranger's front door or garage door, kicking or banging on it (sometimes hard enough to break it), and running away.
The clip is recorded then posted online for "clout chasing" — views and likes on social media.
Multiple arrests have been made in several states, according to the Murrieta Police Department, and kids face charges such as burglary, criminal mischief, and other felonies.
‘Vandalism that can escalate’
What they're saying:
"It's like prank escalation — an old school ‘doorbell ditch' but louder, riskier, and much more alarming to anyone inside the house," the Murrieta Police Department said in a statement.
"It might look like harmless internet fun, but it's really vandalism that can escalate into criminal charges, injuries, or worse," they continued.
Safety risks, property damage, legal trouble
Why you should care:
Police warned that because the forceful kick sounds similar to someone trying to break into your home, some residents might take action and call 911 or even use force in self-defense.
"It might look like harmless internet fun, but it's really vandalism that can escalate into criminal charges, injuries, or worse."
In some cases, this results in property damage to some homes, which in turn leads to costly repairs.
The Source: This report is based on information from the Murrieta Police Department.