Authorities in Dutchess County are warning residents and parents about a dangerous social media trend known as the “door kick challenge” after multiple incidents were reported in Beekman, LaGrange and Poughkeepsie.

Town of Poughkeepsie police say two incidents happened overnight within the past month at single-family homes in the Route 55 and Spackenkill areas. Residents reported someone ringing their doorbells and banging on their doors before disappearing. Police say a door was damaged in one case.

Police Lt. Ralph Cropley says those responsible could face criminal charges.

“This is illegal. They could potentially be arrested for trespass, criminal trespass, or if they did any damage to the door, as we had in one instance, they can be charged with criminal mischief,” Cropley said.

The “door kick challenge” is a social media trend that involves people kicking, pounding on or otherwise disturbing the doors of occupied homes before running away.

Poughkeepsie resident Brittany Lloyd says the thought of someone unexpectedly banging on her door is “deeply unsettling.”

“Yeah, it’s a prank. It’s meant to be harmless, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t mean that it actually is,” Lloyd said.

Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi says what participants may view as a prank could be perceived by someone inside the home as an attempted break-in or home invasion.

“Let there be no misunderstanding: this is dangerous criminal conduct that could get someone killed,” Parisi said.

The DA’s office says a frightened homeowner could believe a break-in is underway and take immediate defensive action, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Similar incidents have been reported in communities across the country, prompting warnings from law enforcement.

Last year, News 12 reported on the trend after several homes were targeted in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Surveillance video captured people approaching and kicking the door of a home before running away.

Authorities are urging parents and guardians to talk to children and teenagers about the potential consequences of participating in the challenge.

Residents who experience an incident are advised to call 911, remain inside in a secure location and avoid confronting or pursuing those involved. Authorities also recommend preserving surveillance or doorbell-camera footage and documenting descriptions of people, vehicles and license plates.

Lloyd says she hopes the warnings put an end to the trend.

“My hope is people heed the warnings, whatever this trend is dies down. It’s the end of summer. Kids are going to be back in school, so hopefully they’ll have other ways of occupying their time,” Lloyd said.