WienerFart
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542
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Second night in a row this happened. Nearly kicked my door in this time. Police said they are going to patrol the area tonight.
Broke my door frame this time and my doorknob and deadbolt barely work now. This isn't just fun and games like some people said on the first post. It's destructive and bordering breaking and entering now.
FetlockDeepInHuman
Tiktok is the problem
Hammerwell
Besid3s the fact that they're assholes to do this. If this kills your door, you should really think about reinforcing it a bit. There are many things one can do. It doesn't need to be a steel frame. Especially not if you could go through the wall or the window next to it easier. But there are some in multi story housings...
TheMoonBnuuy
vandalism is not "just a prank bro"
alittleglassvial
That kid needs to lay off The Purge
REOJackwagon
Get a door brace that would be behind the door so that if they try that again they fuck up their foot
b0stark
Looks like some automated pepper spray and ink cannon is in order.
terajack2048
Motion detector sprayer loaded with pepper water?
InsipidInspector
Even after running away they still attempted to gain entry illegally into the residence. Police in my town would immediately cite them for attempted B&E.
dixxienormus
Why don't pranksters just fill a paper bag with shit then put it on your doormat, then set it alight and ring your doorbell, like normal people.
Targe0
Because doing that will get you arrested for arson.
gwad
Coat the door with fly paper glue and grab some popcorn.
tylerlarson
Blessing in disguise. They've shown that your door is installed wrong and provides no real security. You're supposed to have that strike plate anchored all the way into the frame with the 3" screws, not just the half inch ones that only go into the thin moulding.
Dakemesh
I hate to break it to you, but most standard residential doors are installed to keep "honest people honest". They aren't going to stop anyone that wants to come in.
VodkaReindeer
#1 what did you do to make the video and audio go out of sync?
UptightBanana
I'd run some 3" screws through the door from the inside in the area they've been kicking the door.
mikeatike
Would they like to get shot? This seems like a way to get shot.
Evi1Gav
This tiktok "prank" has never been fun and games. It feels more like someone got caught attempting to break in and made up this excuse. Ringing doorbells and running away, that's a prank. It's annoying, doesn't functionality harm anything, and pretty much everybody did it.
ibstickboy
Gotta get them tiktok views
WuProgress
you might be on to something, they seem to be holding their phone.
bekindtoanimals
Fucked up!!!
RockKickass
Get a ring doorbell. It has a motion sensor and takes a video of anyone close.
WienerFart
I just installed a Wyze video doorbell camera today. I couldn't get it in a better spot because of limitations, but I think this is a pretty decent angle. It has night vision, but I can see way better without it.
Targe0
For better night vision footage, maybe look at getting an IR light. Since the camera will have a small light, you'll likely get better night images if there is more IR lighting the area.
twinkwtp
If turning around in a driveway gets people shot, these people really have a deathwish in today's insane world....
Targe0
This doesn't look like it's in the US based on the building's design.
WienerFart
It is US, Pennsylvania specifically.
Targe0
realGeorgelucas
I kept this tab open and kept checking back on your page every few weeks. Are you alright? Did they ever try again?
WienerFart
Thanks for checking in! No, they never came back
LordHosk
It looks like they are systematically trying to break in the doors of several houses so they can break in later. when you aren't home.
There are several of them and they are hitting several houses. Probably trying to break the door so that they can come back during the day with a crew and a moving van and clear out the houses.
5 people into a house grab TVs computers jewelry boxes power tools 5 minutes in and out, sell the whole haul at a pawn shop or on Ebay as storage locker finds.
LordHosk
Make sure you get that fixed PRONTO and put something in front of that door when you leave for work in the morning until you get it fixed. Take a video with your phone of all your valuables today. get model numbers and serial numbers if you can.
Or else... you had TWO PS5s and the Mona Lisa in your living room when they break in on friday and steal all your stuff.
MrSnuffleupagus172
And don’t forget to make some changes to the back door, basement door, sliding door, first floor windows while you’re at it.
WienerFart
That sounds like a lot for some late teens recording themselves doing it. There's apparently some tik tok trend where people do this just for the views. It's been going on for over a year from what my research has told me
Shelbydelbydoo
This is a thing, I don’t know why. On my neighborhood app people are threatening to shoot people if they keep doing it.
unluckyandbored
It's a Tiktok trend.
Targe0
My gut says they are checking door strength. Seeing which ones are weak enough to break down. When they identify them, they might go back to break in and rob the place.
DankFerric
Hey @OP
Locksmith here: 3in Deck Screws, and there is a product called a Door Devil. It's a LONG metal plate that has extra screw holes to help secure it in place. Makes it a devil to break in your door. There are also "smaller" options from "Donjo" that are like 9in tall strike plates that you can put at the latch and Deadbolt to help secure your door. (Will help repair the damage a bit)
Also suggest talking to a local Locksmith about upgrading your locks to a Grade 2 hardware.
codenameRadical
Take the screws that are holding those strike plates on ... off. Get 2" drywall or framing screws and drive them way the fuck in. That will brace the strikes on the frame of the building, itself, which then back up the bolts.
myeyesthegogglesdonothing
As already said, get 6". Need to get into the studs.
Hexidimentional
6" deck screws, you want to go past the frame itself and into the studs the frame is nailed to, coupled with a commercial deadbolt you can break a would be burglars leg
WienerFart
I'll look into that after I get the frame fixed. Insurance adjuster is coming out tomorrow to look at the damage. I have a $1000 deductible so I'm expecting to pay a lot for this.
FoamingToad
Don't know what it's like in the US but I had a full UPVC door and metal frame replaced including labour with change out of £500.
valen00
Honestly I wouldn't bother with insurance at this point.
Glue and clamp the crack closed. Big screws (do be aware if there's any light switches, wires doorbells etc that might be in the path of said screws.
Once this issue isn't happening any more you can look at a better quality fix. Be aware that even with big screws the top of them will still bend and the door jamb will split like this if it gets hit hard enough.
PotatoPirateTheThird
i don't know a whole lot about house repair but i think that fix isn't even going to be $1000 and you might lose a "no claims" monthly discount. just swinging by the hardware store and grabbing those screws then putting them in is easy, takes very little time, and will likely stop this person from gaining access to your home if they try again. I drove mine in with a screwdriver so you don't even need a drill. then they can be taken out easily when/if you have someone come to repair it.
WienerFart
Now is a good time for me for it to actually be repaired. I'm in between jobs at the moment so I can be here all day and I have some cash stockpiled. It's still shitty because this will really hurt my dampening flow between jobs.
blahhhhdablahblah
It’s a Tik Tok trend unfortunately. But that does mean you might be able to find the person who did it with some sleuthing. Recent uploads using hashtags associated with the trend, your area or other locally used hashtags may be able to lead you to an account, and people who do these stupid trends aren’t always smart enough to secure their accounts. Downside is you may have to use the tik tok app.
unluckyandbored
Of COURSE it's a Tiktok thing. Fucking social media brain rot.
hismadnessty
I think i see him holding a smartphone
AlexSomething
Looks about right, unfortunately: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIk4KC0u8wQ (NJ police warn residents of 'door-kicking' challenge on TikTok -
Eyewitness News ABC7NY)
IgnisInvictus
Yep. That's no longer a prank. It was a really stupid prank the first time, this time they did damage and are obviously targeting your house. This is no longer a prank.
MCpeepantz
Aim to the left of center, and about 3-6" higher than you think you need to.
PballQhead
Better yet double-tap the center of mass, and then take a second to aim one for the head.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozambique_Drill
TsukariYoshi
Jesus christ this is an american-ass comment
PotatoPirateTheThird
Never shoot through a door you can't see through. Be sure of your target and backstop before shooting. I had a lawyer tell me to never shoot unless I fear the consequences of not shooting are worse than 10-20 years in prison. Pretty good advice imo.
mikeatike
I got a feeling if they successfully kick down a door and don't think anyone is home, they are gonna break in.
AlwaysDownvotesDogs
"A Florida woman who fatally shot her neighbour through her front door last year has been sentenced to 25 years in prison."
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ygd59q7l1o
Burstflare
Amazing advice. Unless you are truly afraid for your life, don't shoot.
LoudBirb
Okay, these people are dickbags, but maybe simple property damage shouldn't be an executable offense? Have we maybe considered remuneration as an in-between step?
omgzwtfs
Agreed. In the meantime I'd replace the deadbolt, knob, and frame or screw in 2x4s for temp reinforcement ASAP. There's a chance it's prep for a break in looking like a prank, it's severely compromised now
mikeatike
I'm not saying they deserve to be killed, but it's pretty likely if they kick down the wrong door.
EaNasirsExcellentHighGradeCopper
Man, someone with an agenda is really rolling out the alts, tryin real damn hard to push this "Its not breaking and entering, its just
EaNasirsExcellentHighGradeCopper
vandalism!" nonsense.
LoudBirb
Shooting someone who has violently smashed their way into your house in self defense is one thing. Shooting them through the door when they've repeatedly run away in the past is another.
Also, I don't care whether it's technically breaking and entering or not. Don't shoot through closed doors.
Rule #1 of shooting a firearm is to know who/what you're shooting at. You're gonna end up killing an Amazon delivery guy who happened to trip or fumble a package.
RadonGaming
Used to have kids do "pranks" around our neighbourhood. Police did nothing. Funny how they sprung to action once you threaten to put barbed wire behind fences and lay dangerous traps. Also got a warning from police to say that's illegal. Yeah. Try curb stomping these scum from our society then we won't need this vigilante justice. Do. Your. Jobs.
Tier7Gaming
Is it still illegal if there are clear warnings that area may be trapped?
RadonGaming
Almost verbatim what was asked of the police. And yes, it is. Something about how it could cause accidental injury, such as if somebody gives chase to somebody through your back yard. And how it's not a reasonable expectation for barbed wire behind fences etc.
iquestionthepinappleeveryday
https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladviceofftopic/comments/1891lb3/booby_trapping_your_property_is_illegal/
Sticklebrickk
Well, in my town shooting a BB gun within city limit counts as discharging a firearm, so I would think IEDs and such would be a no-go, even if it's just to scare people away.
SterlingArcherSecretAgent
Agreed, this is definitely not just a prank. Glad to hear the police listened, though I have doubts that they can stop it :-/
DavidCisme
That's what rotties are for, they'll be running with a dog chasing their stupid asses.
SterlingArcherSecretAgent
A dog is not a tool though.
They are a member of the family, a long commitment.
And they are so cute and loving ❤️
DerpMeister
Wuz314159
Police stop crime? LMFAO!!!!!!!!!
WienerFart
I'm not super hopeful, but at least they're trying. I just installed a doorbell cam today to get a better face angle. They said the other videos weren't detailed enough for their facial recognition
SleepyKitten
If you can install a bright motion detection light to shine on them in the area outside your door, do it!
EatinButtsAndBustinNuts
Yeah, the doorbell came will help, but the tradeoff with those and the wyze cameras is the ease of placement/use vs. quality. These dudes are moving too quick to get anything decent for a face shot.
BlastyMcBlastblast
from the vid the cops should have height, build, sex, hair type, skin colour, clothing, and can infer that they live within walking distance. are the cops dumb? are they planning to wait until this criminal decides to firebomb your house before getting off of their arses??
TyrannusEquus
Y'all would be upset if they came knocking on a door saying the resident matched the description of a suspect. Also kids are smarter now, the come in from another area to pull this shit so they don't get recognized by a neighbor.
isetprettygirlsonfire
Yes
Lucallia
Well you see the problem is that the footage op currently has showed skin color.
WienerFart
That still doesn't help with facial recognition to find out where they live. Those stats help you find someone out in public, but not where they live if they suddenly stop coming out in public. I get they need better quality to actually track the person down. They aren't going to go door to door with a more minor crime like this.
algavinn
Yes.
Clippyjustwantedtohelp
Leave the door unlocked and barely ajar, and wait in the entry with a bat.
iLikeMu
Just be warned that if they haven't "broken" in and you haven't asked them to leave, in most places it's not technically trespassing. So, you could be on the hook for assault and/or battery if you meet them with violence or the threat thereof.
valen00
The worlds most limp wristed door chain has entered the chat. That said yeah, vigilante justice is not often the best answer for most people.
Targe0
Basically never is, and will often see the people enacting it getting punished instead of the vandals.
Targe0
Even if they have broken in, in many places, self-defence laws wouldn't cover you. Because your actions are premeditative. Meaning, you are putting yourself into a position of hostility, voiding any claim to self-defence.
EaNasirsExcellentHighGradeCopper
2 nights in a row? 3rd night I'd be sitting in the living room with a shotgun leveled at the door.
Targe0
And as this seems like the UK, that would be how you get yourself arrested.
WienerFart
It's a the US, but you would still get arrested for that here
Felberin
Or door propped to not lock, so when they kick it, it'll give no resistance. Guy trips in and becomes easy grab for some stern talking and possible police involvement for damages done.
bripi
kickin' in a door? That's a paddlin'.
cytherians
Or a flame thrower.
PotatoPirateTheThird
what about my trebuchet?
cytherians
That'll work if you can wield it fast enough. 😏😉
Wasnbo
You sound like a guy I knew in the Army who thought we need more "good guys with guns" in our schools.
EaNasirsExcellentHighGradeCopper
Cant figure out how to argue agaisnt protecting yourself against multiple, repeated, home invasion attempts..so equate it to right wing
EaNasirsExcellentHighGradeCopper
loonery so you can just safely dismiss it and not have to burden those tender brain meats with pesky thoughts.
TheBlueMuppet
Find the difference between deluded people, and people facing a physical, repeated issue with someone vandalizing their home. Depending on where this is, it could be 100% legal to show force to a potential intruder, if not use it.
EaNasirsExcellentHighGradeCopper
Its not vandalism, its fucking attempted breaking and entering. This isnt TP on a bush or eggs on a wall, this is trying to kick down the
EaNasirsExcellentHighGradeCopper
front fucking door.
TheBlueMuppet
Exactly, lol. People outside on the street? Bro, whatever, leave them alone. People literally kicking in your front door? Someone wants a new full-body piercing.
bigdix69420
U have enemies obvs. Replace those screws with deck screws. Or even wait with a bat and show them some social justice
duffman3335
That's a good way to die with a bat in your hand. If you're gonna reach for a weapon, make sure it's a real one. Get a gun, learn how to use it, and be prepared to defend your home PROPERLY. Or, MOVE.
WienerFart
I keep to myself and don't bother anyone. I have no idea why I would be targeted
DerpMeister
Do they do this to your neighbours too or just to you?
jeffois
How dare you! Everyone, GETTIM!
Imtoolazytothinkofaname
It's probably random and they just liked your house for some reason. Good thing you have a camera. Maybe print out a good pic of them and post it around the neighborhood. That will make them fuck right off. Good luck
WienerFart
Maybe because it's well lit so it was better for their tik tok or whatever
bigdix69420
So i guess just meddling kids. Call up the mystery machine
DoctorDudeBruh
It's because you keep to yourself. People are assholes. But hey, they are running like hell in flip flops.,.. would be a shame if there was a bit of oil on that escape path.
stygimoIoch
Don't blame OP for shitass behavior.
jimjong1
They aren't, they're explaining why they're being targeted. Criminals are more likely to mess with someone who appears more isolated. Someome who keeps to themselves seems more isolated. An explanation is neither an excuse nor blaming.
stygimoIoch
Worded poorly.
Strategicgnomer
OK! Time to talk about assault. Traps are assault! Bats are assault! The correct response to this is exactly what op is doing, contact police, file charges for property damage. DO NOT commit a crime yourself and escalate this and end up in jail for assault. Ok? Ok.
DoctorDudeBruh
Punching Nazis is assault too, but nobody minds that, eh? I'm just saying it sure would be a shame if that flip flop wearing individual tripped and fell while fleeing the scene of a crime.
Strategicgnomer
Punching Nazis is self defense and patriotic. Don't conflate the two.