‘Dangerous social media trend’ triggers warning from Vancouver Island RCMP

Mounties on Vancouver Island issued a warning Thursday about a TikTok trend that has caused thousands of dollars in property damage and “significant fear” among residents of one city.

Reports of the so-called “door kick challenge” began last year and continue to be received by the Nanaimo RCMP, the detachment said in a statement.

“The trend, primarily involving youth between the ages of 13 and 15, consists of individuals aggressively kicking, pounding, or striking residential doors during late night and early morning hours, before running away and recording the reactions for social media,” according to the statement.

In addition to property damage, police said residents have reported beefing up security at their homes by installing lights, cameras, and alarms.

“These incidents are not harmless pranks,” Const. Gary O’Brien wrote.

“The aggressive nature of these acts has caused significant fear among residents, especially seniors and vulnerable people, who may believe someone is attempting to break into their home.”

Mounties are urging parents and guardians to speak to their teens about the consequences of participating in the trend, including the impact on residents whose homes are targeted and the potential for criminal charges.

Residents whose homes are being targeted are also being warned not to try to take matters into their own hands by trying to chase down or apprehend youths who are involved.

“While residents are understandably frustrated, pursuing suspects creates additional safety risks for everyone involved,” O’Brien wrote. “There is serious potential for someone to be injured.”

Instead, residents are urged to contact police.

The Nanaimo RCMP also provided a map of the areas where these incidents have been reported.