A social media trend has resulted in thousands of dollars in local property damage and RCMP reports from frustrated residents.
Started in 2025, the “TikTok Door Kick Challenge” involves youth, primarily between the ages of 13 to 15, according to the Nanaimo RCMP, who are “aggressively kicking, pounding or striking residential doors doors during late night or early morning hours, before running away and recording the reactions for social media.”
“These incidents are not harmless pranks,” said reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP media relations officer in a press release. “The aggressive nature of these acts has caused significant fear among residents, especially seniors and vulnerable people, who may believe someone is attempting to break into their home.”
The actions share a similarity to a less aggressive pre-social media trend of “ding dong ditch,” also known as “nicky nicky nine doors,” “ring and run,” or “runaway knock,” with history dated as far back as the early 1800s.
In the release, O’Brien stated that local residents have been reporting thousands of dollars in property damage, including repairs to doors and entryways, and additional investments in security cameras, lighting and alarm systems, in response to “repeated disturbances.”
The Departure Bay area has been “particularly” targeted.
Police stated that during some instances, homeowners attempted to chase suspects on foot or in vehicles after the disturbances occurred.
“While residents are understandably frustrated, pursuing suspects creates additional safety risks for everyone involved,” O’Brien said. “There is serious potential for someone to be injured.”
As a result of the trend, Nanaimo RCMP are encouraging parents and guardians to speak with their children about the consequences of participating in social media trends that involve criminal or dangerous behaviour.
The RCMP stated that they believe some of the youth involved may not understand the fear, emotional distress, and damage these actions are causing.
Intentionally damaging property or causing disturbances may result in criminal charges. Anyone experiencing suspicious activity or property damage is encouraged to report it to the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.