TikTok Front Door Banging Tops Northampton Twp. Crimes

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The TikTok trend has hit Northampton Township.

The Northampton Township Police Department, in reporting its blotter of criminal incidents for the period of Aug. 28 to Sept. 3, said that several residents reported the latest social media craze where teenagers bang on someone's front door loudly and then run away.

During this tour, Patrol handled 18 alarm calls, 16 abandoned 911 calls, 48 medical calls, 12 bookings, five domestic disputes, 14 civil disputes, 53 traffic monitoring details, and 12 crime prevention details.

These are the criminal incidents:

Aug. 28

Assist Motorist —While on patrol, officers observed a vehicle driving on Bustleton Pike dragging its bumper. Officers stopped the vehicle. The driver indicated they had been in an accident several days ago and were driving the vehicle to the repair shop. Officers removed the dragging bumper and placed it in the vehicle’s trunk.

Criminal Mischief —Patrol responded to Timothy Drive for a report of Criminal Mischief. The complainant states that sometime over the weekend, someone or something shattered their front window. A check was made for surveillance cameras in the area.

Aug. 29

Solicitor Complaint — Patrol responded to Ann Drive for a complainant of a solicitor. The compliant states the person is going door-to-door soliciting without a permit. Patrol located the individual and confirmed they did not have a permit. They were instructed to cease soliciting and leave the area until they obtained the necessary permit.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to East Holland Road for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit #1 was traveling on Pepperell Drive attempting to cross East Holland Road when it was struck by Unit #2 which was traveling on East Holland Road. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were towed from the area.

Aug. 30

Attempted Theft of Vehicle —Patrol responded to Bennett Place for a report of a theft from a vehicle. The complainant states that sometime overnight, their vehicle's passenger window was smashed and wiring from under the console pulled out. The complainant states nothing else was missing from the vehicle. They had already been inside and outside of the vehicle and had attempted to cover the broken window to avoid damage from the rain. A check of the area for surveillance cameras was made. Later in the day, another homeowner contacted police after finding their vehicle too had a window smashed, the vehicle ignition tampered with and nothing taken from the vehicle.

Hit and Run —Patrol responded to Second Street Pike for a report of a hit and run overnight. The complainant states they went to move a vehicle and realized it had been hit. When they checked with the neighboring business for their surveillance they were able to provide a video of the entire event. Unit #1, while attempting to back out of a parking spot, struck Unit #2 and left the scene. The identity of the driver of Unit #1 was made and they were contacted and confirmed the accident. Both vehicles sustained minor damage.

Aug. 31

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Bustleton Pike for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit #2 was stopped at a traffic light waiting to turn left when Unit #1 failed to stop and struck Unit #2 in the rear. Both vehicles sustained damage but did not require a tow. No injuries were reported.

Fraud —The complainant came into headquarters to report fraud. They stated that their spouse fell victim to an online scam and they have a $6,500 monetary loss. The spouse received a call from someone named “Grace” who told them that their bank account was in jeopardy of having funds removed and that they could look into the matter if the spouse would send them money. “Grace” had the spouse go to their bank, take out the money, go to a Bitcoin machine, and then transfer the Bitcoin to “Grace.” The complainant was given information on identity theft and instructed to monitor their bank accounts for suspicious activity. The case was referred to detectives.

Sept. 1

Juvenile Problem —Patrol responded to Fairhill Drive for a report of a juvenile who was banging on a door. The complainant states a juvenile dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt banged on their front door and then on their back door before running away. The area was checked. The complainant was advised of a current TikTok trend that is designed to scare residents with the loud sudden banging on the door.

Juvenile Problem —Patrol responded to Charlotte Drive for a report of juveniles banging on a door. The complainant states that juveniles wearing hoodies and carrying flashlights banged on their front door before running away. Patrol checked the area and found juveniles but none matching the description and all denied knocking on doors.

DUI —While on patrol, Officers pulled over a vehicle for motor vehicle violations. During the stop, through investigation, the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI. They were transported to headquarters for processing and released to family.

Threat —Patrol responded to a business on Steamwhistle Drive for an anonymous report of a bomb in the building. All personnel were evacuated and the building swept by K9s. Case referred to detectives.

Sept. 2

Juvenile Problems —Patrol responded to East Village Road for a trespassing complaint. The complainant states that their surveillance cameras were activated and alerted them to juveniles riding their bikes on the newly paved asphalt driveway. Patrol made contact with two juveniles who admitted riding their bikes on the driveway. Patrol contacted their parents and advised them of the situation.

Sept. 3

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Upper Holland Road and Providence Drive for a report of two-vehicle accident with injuries. Unit #1 while driving on Providence Drive entered the intersection of Upper Holland Road and struck Unit #2. The driver of Unit #1 was taken to St. Mary Medical Center for treatment. The driver of Unit #2 refused medical care. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Fireworks —Patrol responded to Independence Drive for a report of fireworks. Upon arrival, the area was checked and nothing was found.