SEE IT: Door-kicking pranksters target California homes as police warn trend can end badly

Irvine police say a social media challenge in which people kick strangers’ front doors and run away is increasing, and warn it can cause damage, frighten residents and trigger dangerous confrontations. The department is investigating incidents as vandalism and urges parents to discuss the risks with their children.

Since October, police have received more than 20 calls linked to the challenge; seven incidents led to vandalism reports. The warning follows a Boise case in which a 15-year-old was injured during a similar prank and a Houston case last year in which an 11-year-old was fatally shot after repeatedly knocking on a man’s door.