The Abington Township Police Department shared a Community Alert yesterday regarding a “reckless and dangerous TikTok trend”.

According to the department, the TikTok videos show teenagers and children “pounding on or violently kicking doors, often late at night, pretending to break in, before running away. Many see it as a funny prank for views or likes, but this behavior is anything but harmless.”

The alert continues:

This so-called “challenge” is alarming for homeowners who may believe they are experiencing an attempted home invasion. It creates fear, confusion, and potential danger — not just for the people inside the home, but for the kids involved as well.

Parents and Guardians, please talk with your children and make sure they understand that this is not a joke nor a harmless trend. What might seem like a silly video for social media can quickly become a police matter.

Let’s work together to spread awareness and keep our community safe. If you witness this behavior or are a victim of it, please call 911.

NBC10 reported on the trend in June. NBC News’ video coverage from Wednesday is below:

In May, Cheltenham schools warned of another national TikTok trend known as the ‘Chromebook Challenge’.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.