Teenagers commit crimes related to TikTok trend

Isabel Martin and Scarlett Lisjak

11 minutes ago

TRAVELERS REST, SC (WSPA) – Police in Travelers Rest need help identifying at least four teenagers who participated in an illegal TikTok trend.

According to police, a family living in a house in the Northcliff neighborhood was startled by a bang on Thursday evening. Officers arrived at the house around 10 p.m. and found the door had been kicked in.

“There was a family in the house, they weren’t sure if anyone had even entered the house or not. Our officers arrived on scene and evacuated the house,” said Adam Bradshaw, a Travelers Rest Police investigator.

The suspects appear to be teenagers who took part in a new TikTok challenge, police said.

“At least four of the youth appear to be young teenagers,” Bradshaw said. “We believe this is related to a new TikTok trend that is sweeping the country, where youth are challenging themselves to kick down a door, sort of an extended version of Ding Dong Ditch.”

Bradshaw said the motive for the crime boils down to “likes.”

“Any likes or social media exposure that can be gained from these actions seems to be the motivating factor for these young people to participate,” Bradshaw said.

Police said teens should think twice before taking part in this potentially dangerous challenge.

“This challenge could be perceived as a harmless prank,” Bradshaw said. “From the other side of the door, a homeowner who may have a family and young children in the house could perceive it as a hostile act. This is a stand-your-ground state, we have the right to self-defense and these harmless pranks could have deadly consequences, if you will.”

Officials said this “trend” could lead to serious charges, possibly even a crime.

“You face all sorts of offenses, from public disturbance to intentional damage to burglary if there is an intent to commit a crime in the home,” Bradshaw said.

The teenagers were seen in Kilburn Lane but could not be found.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Bradshaw at (864) 610-6408 or [email protected].