Doorbell Pranks Prompt Warning from Missoula PD

Remember when “ding-dong ditch” was a harmless prank you did as a bored teenager with nothing better to do? Flash forward to 2025, the prank is back and Missoula Police aren’t amused.

Missoula Police Department released a statement saying residents are experiencing a growing number of doorbell pranks. But these aren’t isolated acts of teen mischief. Missoula PD says they’re part of a trend driven by social media challenges. So yeah, filming yourself annoying strangers apparently something the kids are into now. (Watch out, TikTok strikes again.)

These pranksters are ringing doorbells late at night, triggering security cameras and then rushing off into the darkness. Though it may seem harmless, police say it can become something more serious, such as trespassing and assault charges. Not to mention the sheer amount of gun ownership in this state. Strangers in the dark can quickly become a threat to people with itchy trigger fingers.

Police are advising residents not to go full Liam Neeson and hunt down these pranksters. Instead, take a breath, note what happened, and report it to the non-emergency line at 406-552-6300. (In actual emergencies, call 911, of course.)

Parents, now is a good time to have a real conversation with your kids. Educate them that being “TikTok famous” for 10 seconds does not justify a criminal record or irritated neighbors. Giving other people the space they need isn’t just a guideline; it’s how we prevent Missoula from feeling like anything less than the tight-knit community we all know and love.

Bottom line: Ding-dong ditching has no place in the 2020s, alongside frosted tips and MySpace.