Irvine Police Warn Door-Kicking Challenge Could Bring Charges
The Irvine Police Department is investigating reports of a social media challenge in which participants kick a home’s front door, record the act and run away. Police say the activity has been captured on home security cameras across the California community and can cause property damage, setting it apart from a typical doorbell prank.
Officer Ziggy Azarcon said police received more than 20 calls in the past month from people who saw children kicking doors or residents whose doors had been struck. The department is taking vandalism reports when damage occurs, he said, and the cases are being investigated by its Youth Services Unit with help from school resource officers seeking to identify participants.
Police also warned that a resident who hears a forceful kick may believe the home is under threat and respond unpredictably. That could put the young people involved in danger, Azarcon said.
The department urged parents to explain the possible physical and legal consequences to their children. Police also cautioned that parents who knowingly permit a child to participate could face accountability if a crime is committed. The investigation into reported incidents is ongoing.
Irvine Police Warn Viral Door-Kicking Prank Could Put Kids at Risk
A social media stunt is bringing children into situations that can turn dangerous, Irvine police warned, as they urged parents to intervene before a door-kicking prank ends in injury or criminal charges.
The stunt calls for striking a resident’s entrance door, filming it and fleeing. Officer Ziggy Azarcon said police received more than 20 calls in the past month about children kicking doors or residents reporting that their doors had been hit. Police are taking vandalism reports when damage occurs.
The department’s Youth Services Unit is investigating reports and cooperating with campus safety staff to locate some of the young people involved. Police say frightened residents may interpret a kick as a threat and react unpredictably, placing the children at risk.
Police said caregivers ought to discuss with their children the real-world consequences of seeking attention online. They also warned that parents who knowingly allow participation could be held accountable if a crime is committed. The immediate concern is preventing a prank from escalating into damage, charges or harm.
Door-Kicking Challenge Can Bring Vandalism Charges, Irvine Police Warn
Kicking in a homeowner’s door is not a harmless online joke when it causes damage, Irvine police warned, announcing that they are taking vandalism reports and investigating incidents tied to the social media challenge.
Participants kick a front door, record the act and run. Officer Ziggy Azarcon said police received more than 20 calls in the past month from witnesses and residents reporting kicked doors. The department’s Youth Services Unit is cooperating with campus safety staff to locate certain young participants.
The consequences can extend beyond damaged property. A resident may hear a forceful blow and believe the home is under threat, police cautioned, creating the possibility of a dangerous confrontation. The department urged parents to make clear that online attention does not erase responsibility for what happens at someone else’s home.
Police said parents who knowingly allow a child to take part could also be held accountable if a crime is committed. The department is investigating reported cases and says door damage can result in vandalism charges.
Reported by ABC7 Los Angeles, Daily Mail US.
