Massachusetts police departments continue to issue concerns over social media challenge

We have received complaints, and, in some cases, videos, of kids kicking front doors at Fall River homes since the summer and the issue continues to be an issue for police departments in Massachusetts.

The Dennis Police Department announced over the summer that they became aware of a TikTok prank/challenge circulating nationwide where kids are running up to homes and kicking in doors.

“This is NOT harmless fun — it causes property damage, frightens residents, and can put participants at serious risk.”

Dennis Police worry that homeowners may reasonably believe their home is being broken into and could respond in ways that endanger those involved.

“Parents: please talk to your kids and remind them that what may seem like a joke online can lead to arrest, injury, or worse. Let’s work together to keep our neighborhoods safe and respectful.”

A few days ago, the Bourne Police Department made a similar plea.

“Since November, we have responded to at least five different calls involving individuals forcefully kicking the door of a residence with their foot and then running away. In at least one instance, the door was forcefully opened because of the action. In some instances, the suspect(s) were observed to be recording their actions with their phones.

“This appears to be connected to a nationwide trend circulating on social media encouraging folks to film themselves doing this and capturing the homeowner’s response.

“Our message to you, “Don’t…just DON’T”. Aside from the criminal charges that can result from this, unnecessarily scaring an individual in their home for “social media fame” can have serious, unintended consequences when those present believe their home is being broken into.

“Our social media challenge to those thinking about taking part in these types of trends, try doing something kind or positive for those in your community instead of trying to scare someone. You will earn something even better than fleeting social media attention…. You will have a long-lasting sense of self-pride and that feeling of making positive difference in the community.