POLICE are warning that people caught nuisance door knocking could face criminal charges.

Dorset Police reported an increase in nuisance door knocking/kicking at this time of year and have warned people the crime will be taken seriously.

This can include CCTV checks and efforts with schools and youth outreach workers to identify offenders.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “I hate to remind everyone, but the evenings are getting darker.

“What young people may seem as funny as a dare can feel extremely intimidating to the person behind the door.

“This can be for a multitude of reasons including- reduced mobility, living alone, poor health etc.”

The spokesperson added:  “Historically the behaviour copied from past TIK TOK (and other social media) videos has resulted in criminal damage to property with identified youths being charged and dealt with through the Youth out of Court Scheme.

“Please remind young people behaviour of this type will be treated seriously with CCTV checks plus partnership work with schools and Youth Outreach Workers to assist in identifying offenders.”