Suburban Cops Issue Warning Over The “Door Kick Challenge”

So, what exactly is the Door Kick Challenge? The bottom line is that it's a prank that can turn deadly very, very quickly.

Remember “Ding Dong Ditch,” when kids would ring your doorbell and run away? Apparently, that wasn't enough excitement for today's social media generation.

For a while now, there's something called the “Door Kick Challenge,” and police are warning that this constantly-resurrecting internet trend could have some very real, and potentially deadly, consequences.

The Wilmette Police Department recently issued a warning after receiving reports of people participating in the challenge throughout the village. According to police, participants kick or pound on residential doors, sometimes at varying times of day, then run away while recording the homeowner's reaction for social media.

a porch with a flag on the front of it

A Recent Wilmette Incident Shows How Fast This Prank Can Go Sideways

According to The Record North Shore, a man was arrested October 23rd after allegedly grabbing a firearm and pursuing three teenagers who had pounded on his front door late that evening. The man reportedly confronted the teens with the weapon, which was holstered, before police arrived. He was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. Fortunately, nobody was injured.

And Wilmette isn't alone.

In Massachusetts, police departments in Bourne, Burlington and Westborough have issued similar warnings. In Westborough, homeowners reported people kicking doors with enough force to nearly break them. One Massachusetts homeowner told CBS Boston that replacing her damaged front door could cost approximately $4,000.

Meanwhile, in Seguin, Texas, police reported six homes targeted during early-morning incidents in April, with estimated property damage totaling $3,500. Four teenagers were identified as suspects.

person showing handcuff

Here's The Problem For Those Who Think This Is An Innocent Prank

Homeowners don't know whether someone outside is participating in an internet prank or attempting an actual home invasion.

Police are urging parents to talk with their kids about the consequences, which can include criminal charges, expensive property damage and potentially life-threatening confrontations.

A few seconds of internet fame might seem funny to some teenagers. But when you're kicking somebody's front door, you're not playing a game anymore. You're potentially putting lives at risk, starting with your own.

And that's one challenge nobody should be taking.