Authorities say the prank has gone beyond “ding, dong, ditch,” causing property damage and raising safety concerns
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Police are urging parents to speak with their children after a dangerous social media prank has led to property damage — and growing concern among homeowners.
In a recent Facebook post, the Hillard Division of Police said officers have received multiple reports of masked individuals, believed to be teens, banging on doors and running away.
“This is going beyond ‘Ding, Dong, Ditch’ — it’s causing property damage,” the department wrote, noting that residents have reported broken glass front doors and dented garage doors.
Authorities say the activity is tied to the so-called “Door Kick Challenge,” a nationwide trend in which participants are encouraged to kick strangers’ doors as hard as possible before fleeing.
The department warned that the prank can have serious consequences, not only damaging homes but also creating fear among residents who may believe someone is trying to break in.
“It can cause extensive property damage, homeowner fear, and potential for violent encounters when homeowners believe there is an intruder,” police said.
Local reports suggest the incidents have picked up again in recent weeks. According to ABC 6, officers have been responding to repeated calls involving similar behavior.
“It kind of settled down throughout the winter just because it’s colder,” Sgt. Maggie Reed said, as per the outlet. “And now lately… it seems like it’s kicking back up again.”
One homeowner told the station she initially believed a loud noise came from inside her house, only to later realize it was someone striking her garage door.
Police say while many teens may see the act as a harmless prank, the risks are far more serious.
“They think it’s funny. They think it’s a joke,” Reed added. “But the homeowners are perceiving it as a threat… we want to avoid a tragic outcome.”
The Hilliard Police Department is now asking parents to intervene, warning that those involved could face criminal charges.
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The concern isn’t hypothetical. Earlier this year, a similar incident had deadly consequences.
In January, a 14-year-old in Florida was arrested after allegedly participating in a door-kicking prank that forced open a home’s door, allowing a dog to escape and later be struck and killed by a car.
As authorities continue to respond to reports, police say the message is simple: what may seem like a joke online can quickly turn into something far more dangerous in real life.