Smashed toilets, broken doors: B.C. Mounties say they're investigating what may have been a TikTok stunt
Extreme damage to public washrooms in Surrey, B.C., parks is under investigation and Mounties say they believe the vandalism may be connected to a social media trend.
Mounties said Tuesday the damage has been noted "over the last few months," especially in the city's Cloverdale area.
According to the RCMP, damage to public washrooms has included smashed toilets, stolen soap dispensers, and broken partitions and vents.
In their update, Mounties said the damage "could be related to a social media trend where youth film themselves causing damage to washrooms." Those videos are then sometimes posted to apps like TikTok, police said.
"These acts of vandalism are unacceptable and have caused significant damage to our much-needed public washroom facilities," said Const. Sarbjit K. Sangha in a news release.
Photos released by Mounties of the damage show one toilet completely smashed into small pieces and another removed off its base.
Other social media trends have prompted warnings from police in recent weeks. In Ontario, local police issued a warning late last month over an online challenge that encourages people to kick in the doors of homes. The warning was issued after a home security camera appeared to show three young people filming themselves doing the challenge.
A report commissioned by TikTok and published last month found that half of teens surveyed participate in online challenges to gain views, comments and likes. Forty-six per cent of teens said impressing others was one of their top reasons.
The survey found, however, that most teens don't take part in challenges. Only 21 per cent of teens said they participated in an online challenge of any type.
"We encourage parents to speak to their children about the fact that committing an illegal act, all for the sake of online popularity or likes, can have consequences now and into the future," Sangha said.
In relation to the Surrey incidents, Mounties said they'll be patrolling parks to keep an eye on washroom facilities. Anyone with information about the recent vandalism is asked to call 604-599-0502.
With files from CTV News' Hannah Jackson and CTV News London's Bryan Bicknell
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.