What some call a prank, police say is a crime. Authorities across the Philadelphia region are warning residents about a viral social media challenge in which people kick or pound on front doors, often late at night while homeowners are asleep. Police say the incidents have damaged homes and left neighborhoods on edge. One King of Prussia resident, who asked not to be identified, said he turned to social media to encourage neighbors to share screenshots and videos after his elderly parents became victims. “They are aggressive, invasive,” he said. Residents in communities including Montgomery County’s King of Prussia and Royersford have been posting videos of the incidents online while also reporting them to police. Royersford police have released images of people they hope to identify in connection with the incidents. “The TikTok trend involving teens kicking doors — often late at night — they damage them, the community at large,” Abington Township Police Lt. Joe Blei said. Blei said parents and teens need to understand that the behavior is not harmless. “Among the many charges, burglary, loitering at night — serious crimes,” he said. While many residents have been sharing images of suspected pranksters on social media, police are asking people to contact law enforcement first. “We tell residents, call 911. We always have officers in neighborhoods and want police to handle this,” Blei said. Police also warn the incidents can quickly become dangerous because homeowners may believe someone is trying to break into their house. “If you think these challenges are harmless, think again,” the King of Prussia resident said. “No one wants to see that.” This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less