Irvine police warn of charges over door-kicking social media prank

Police in Irvine, California, are warning young people and their parents about a social media trend in which participants kick residents’ front doors, run away and post recordings online. The prank matters because it can damage property, frighten residents and lead to dangerous confrontations, as well as criminal charges.

Police said they received more than 20 reports in the past month involving children kicking doors or residents reporting damage. Irvine’s Youth Services Unit is investigating with school resource officers; police say parents could also be held accountable if they knowingly allow a child to take part and a crime is committed. Officials cited a separate Illinois incident in which a man was arrested after allegedly chasing three teens who had pounded on his door.