Door-Knock Prank ‘Frenzy’ Results in Damage to BC Homes: RCMP

The RCMP logo is seen outside the force's 'E' division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on March 16, 2023. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

The RCMP has launched an investigation into a social-media inspired “frenzy” of door-knock pranks that has escalated into property damage in two Vancouver-area communities.

Multiple homes in Newton and South Surrey have sustained damage after a “decades-old prank” known as ‘nicky nicky nine doors’ or ‘ding dong ditch,’ “devolved into cases of harassment and mischief,” Surrey RCMP said in a July 17 press release.

The ongoing investigation has led to some of the alleged teenage “pranksters” being identified, and police are now considering criminal charges, the RCMP said.

“While this type of behaviour may not have started with malicious intent, the observed behaviour of these individuals speaks to a complete lack of regard for the prank recipients and their property,” RCMP Sgt. James Mason said in the press release. “If the goal is to make yourself known, you may get more than you bargained for.”

The RCMP is urging parents to talk to their teens about the “potential repercussions”  of being involved in the pranks.

Traditionally, the pranks involve knocking on a door or ringing a doorbell and then running away before it is answered. Police did not say what kind of damage had been done to any of the homes or how many residences were targeted.

The RCMP is also asking the public to call police if they see any pranksters in action and to submit any video footage they capture of the incident. Homeowners should not confront anyone involved in the stunts, police said.

Home Security Tips

One of the best ways to deter criminals or teens up to mischief is by keeping your home and property well lit, the RCMP said on its website.

“Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool, since criminals do not want to be seen,” the site says. It recommends using timers on indoor lights and tamper-proof motion sensor lights around the perimeter of the home.

Other safety tips include keeping doors locked and installing a viewer to avoid opening the door to a stranger. Installing a doorbell camera offers an additional layer of security, the RCMP said, because it also allows homeowners to see who is at their door and speak to them remotely. If a crime occurs, it also provides footage for police to view.

Being familiar with one’s neighbourhood—knowing who lives there and who doesn’t—can also come in handy, police said, adding that having a “Block Watch” group in the community aids in neighbourhood safety.

“Whether you are involved in Block Watch or not, follow the Golden Rule of community safety: If you see something, say something,” the site reads. “Always report suspicious activity to the police.”