Parents asked to talk to teens after dangerous 'ding dong ditch' trend

Dearborn County deputies say it is happening here

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – Local police are urging parents to talk to their teens about the dangers of a prank.

It’s similar to the old “ding-dong ditching” prank where someone rings a doorbell or knocks on the door and then immediately runs away. 

The new trend is where teens target homes in the middle of the night or early morning hours, kicking and banging on doors, as well as windows and causing damage to property.

The Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office has received several calls regarding these types of incidents, and will pursue charges against those responsible. 

“Our goal is to deter this type of behavior so we can ensure the safety of everyone in our community, as well as their property,” the sheriff’s office said. 

It can have deadly results as a Virginia teenager was shot-and-killed while pranking a homeowner earlier this month. 

The sheriff’s office is asking parents and guardians to talk to kids about the dangers of the activity. 

“What seems like a harmless prank to those involved can honestly turn into a much more serious problem. Being awoken by loud banging in the nighttime, early morning hours by someone forcefully kicking a front door could lead a homeowner to believe that someone is attempting to make entry into their residence, causing them to take defensive actions,” Sheriff Shane McHenry said. 

If you have any information related to these types of incidents or have surveillance video footage of individuals involved in suspicious activity, please contact Dearborn County Dispatch at (812) 537-3431 (prompt 1) or 911.