Homes in the Departure Bay, Rock City and Cilaire areas of Nanaimo have been targeted in recent weeks and months by a small group of youth pounding, kicking and otherwise damaging doors all in the name of a TikTok challenge. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

senseless damage

Nanaimo teens damaging homes through new TikTok challenge

Jun 25, 2026 | 11:35 AM

NANAIMO — Local Mounties say a senseless social media trend involves young participants attempting to kick down doors from residential homes.

Police in Nanaimo have noticed an increasing trend since early last year and escalating in recent months involving a small group of youth, believed to be between the ages of 13 and 15, kicking, pounding, or striking front doors during the late night or very early morning hours.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the trend has caused thousands of dollars in property damage and frightened many homeowners who’ve awoken or been startled by the sudden racket.

“They’ve scared a lot of senior people and a lot of our vulnerable population. They think their houses are being broken into, some doors have had their frames fractured, and some people have actually chased these individuals who are very concerned that there’s going to be an altercation at some point.”

A heat map of reported incidents in recent months. (Image Credit: Nanaimo RCMP)

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O’Brien notes no one has been formally identified through incidents yet, however investigations continue.

Notable damage has resulted in around half of the cases Mounties are aware of, O’Brien noted, with residents spending considerable amounts of money on security cameras and home repairs as a result.

It’s been an issue in different parts of the city since early last year.

“It’s a trend that’s following on TikTok, we follow social media trends as well, and as a block watch coordinator, I’ve spoken to other people in the north, especially off McGirr, and they’re having this situation in early 2025. Those were probably Dover Bay students, and as it has transferred down into the central area, most likely involving Wellington and other high school students.”

O’Brien added the damage is enough to constitute Criminal Code of Canada charges under the Youth Justice Act, which he said “will have a lasting impact on their lives.”

Anyone who sees youth kicking, striking, or otherwise damaging doors for the challenge is asked to call 911.

Damage to a front door earlier this year in central Nanaimo, involving a bike tire. (Image Credit: Submitted Photo)

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by Alex Rawnsley

Nanaimo teens damaging homes through new TikTok challenge

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