A growing social media trend that involves kicking the front doors of strangers’ homes and then running away is gaining traction among some young people in the Collingwood area, according to police. It’s known as the “Door Kick Challenge,” and the idea is simple: ”The trend involves individuals approaching a residence and forcefully kicking the front door while another person records the act for social media before running away,” said Ontario Provincial Police. But investigators say what might be viewed as a prank can quickly become something much more serious. “These incidents frequently occur during the late evening or early morning hours and can be extremely disruptive for residents who are sleeping. In some cases, doors, frames and other property may be damaged as a result of the force used,” continued OPP. Beyond giving homeowners a scare, police say there can be legal consequences. Damaging or interfering with someone else’s property could lead to criminal charges, like mischief under the Criminal Code. “Beyond the legal consequences, these incidents can cause fear, distress and financial hardship for homeowners who may believe someone is attempting to break into their residence,” said police. Homeowners in the Collingwood area are now being encouraged to keep exterior lights on at night and consider using security or doorbell cameras. Anyone whose home has been targeted or who has video of an incident is being asked to contact police at 1-888-310-11.
