Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills, CA · LATEST NEWS
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Irvine police warn social media-driven 'door kick challenge' could lead to criminal charges
Irvine police are warning parents about a social media trend known as the “door kick challenge,” saying it goes beyond a harmless prank and can result in criminal charges. Police say the challenge involves kicking a resident’s front door as hard as possible, recording the act and then running away. The incidents have been captured on home security cameras throughout the community. “The last month alone we’ve had over 20 calls of people reporting seeing either kids kicking the doors or neighbors who have actually had their door kicked calling in to us,” said Officer Ziggy Azarcon, a public information officer for the Irvine Police Department. Authorities say the activity differs from traditional “ding dong ditch” pranks because it can cause property damage. “If there’s damage to the door, this can rise to the level of crime. We’re seeing some of the damages here and we are taking crime reports for vandalism,” Azarcon said. According to police, the department’s Youth Services Unit is investigating reported cases and working with school resource officers to identify some of the youths involved. Police also expressed concern about the safety risks associated with the trend, warning that frightened residents could react unpredictably. “There are