I’m a security expert… here is how you combat a terrifying new TikTok trend
A SECURITY expert has revealed how homeowners can combat a terrifying new TikTok trend.
Videos are sweeping the internet of youths recording themselves walking into Brits’ homes without invitation, seeing frightened families beg them to leave.
A recent clip showed a group of three walk off the street, straight past a mum working in the yard, through her open front door and into her house.
The father repeatedly asks the youths to leave, while they claim they’re looking for a study group.
Young children can be seen in the video, before being heard calling for the parents, while the unwelcome schoolboys storm the home.
Security expert Elizabeth Johns has now offered advice to the public to ensure they don’t become a target of the trend.
In the viral video, which was uploaded to TikTok but has been shared across other platforms like Twitter, the schoolboy says: “Getting into random houses, let’s go.”
The boy films himself opening a London home’s tidy black gate and storming through a front garden.
A woman can be seen sweeping the yard, before she politely says: “Excuse me, what are you doing?”
He turns the camera and two more youths can be seen following like sheep.
As the schoolboy walks into the house the woman can be heard, with panic in her voice, asking her partner to: “Come to the front door right now please.”
The youths start mimicking his name in a mocking tone, before saying they need to speak to him.
When the dad makes his way up the stairs to where the boys are young tots can be seen walking around on the bottom level.
The teen then says: “Is this where the study group is? What door number is this?”
The father repeatedly says no before the teen walks into the family’s lounge and sits on the couch, rudely putting his feet up.
He then stands, makes his way back to the door and says: “I just want to know where the study group is man.”
The father then pleads in a desperate tone “I’ve got kids man” while gesturing to the front door.
As the youths make their way out of the home one says: “Oh you got kids? I thought this was where the study group was.”
Elizabeth, who is the director of Locksmith L&E Ltd, said she couldn’t believe her eyes when she came across the footage.
The locksmith said she usually offers advice to Brits who are worried about intruders as they leave their homes empty, but she admitted the trend even made her uncomfortable.
We are not sure at the moment whether these youths are targeting specific homes or whether they are opportunist attacks.
Elizabeth Johns
Elizabeth told The Sun Online: “Who would have thought we have to now be looking at our security when we are stood meters from our front door and in our garden?
“The new TikTok trending videos are now showing youths entering people’s homes through open doors in the middle of the day, not to steal but to increase their social media popularity.”
The expert advised people keep their doors closed, even if they’re in their own garden.
She said: “Make sure that your front door is closed and locked. Even if you are only a few metres from the door, putting this into practice will make sure they have no opportunity to gain access.
“I would also suggest to lock the door when you are in your home.
“Not only does this stop opportunist burglars from opening the door to pick up a quick treat such as handbags and car keys, it will also stop any unwanted TikTok guests.”
Elizabeth added that Brits should also not just focus on their front door – but other entries into the home, and gates, too.
She warned that people should also keep their eyes peeled in the neighbourhoods, adding: “We are not sure at the moment whether these youths are targeting specific homes or whether they are opportunist attacks.
“Keep watch and report any suspicious activity near your home, specifically looking for gangs of youths potentially scouting houses for doors that have been left open regularly.”
The Met Police said it had seen the clip sweeping the internet, and was up to speed with the trend.
The force told The Sun Online: “The MPS are aware of footage circulating on social media, however have not received any related reports at this time.
“Officers are conducting enquiries to establish the location and those involved.
“They are keen to speak to anyone with any information. Please contact police on 101 or via @MetCC.”
A security expert's tips on how to prevent yourself becoming a target of this trend
- If you happen to be doing any work on your home or garden for example, gardening, cleaning windows, washing your car etc. Make sure that your front door is closed and locked. Even if you are only a few metres from the door, putting this into practice will make sure they have no opportunity to gain access. I would also suggest to lock the door when you are in your home. Not only does this stop opportunist burglars from opening the door to pick up a quick treat such as handbags and car keys, it will also stop any unwanted Tik Tok guests.
- Don’t just focus on the front door. It is easy for us to focus on what we deem the ‘main’ entrance to our property and more than often other external entrances are a back thought. Treat all external doors with the same caution, and make sure all are the same level of security and kept closed and locked at all times.
- We are not sure at the moment whether these youths are targeting specific homes or whether they are opportunist attacks. Keep watch and report any suspicious activity near your home, specifically looking for gangs of youths potentially scouting houses for doors that have been left open regularly. If you have an neighbourhood watch, make sure all members are aware of the current trend.
- Front and back gates – Not every house is lucky enough to have gates as a form of security. But even if they have, we tend to find a lot of these gates to front and back gardens are easily accessible. If your home has a gate we would recommend installing a lock, or even putting a padlock on an existing sliding bolt lock. This will make it harder for any unwanted guest to gain access onto your property.