(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has a message for teens and pre-teens engaging in a trending online challenge dubbed “Devious Licks” that encourages youth to damage and steal property while filming the event.
“These types of challenges are going to land you in trouble whether it be a school suspension, damage to your online reputation or potential criminal charges. Parents, if you have a student at home that is on social media and is following these trends you may want to have a conversation with your child about the implications of getting involved in something like this.”
-says Huron OPP Community Safety Officer Jamie Stanley
These videos are often posted anonymously to social media sites presumably seeking views, likes, shares and comments from followers.
Huron County OPP suspects this challenge was the motivation behind a recent incident that took place at Bannister Park in Goderich. Sometime overnight between October 2ndand October 3rd, 2021 unknown persons destroyed the men’s and women’s washrooms. The damages are estimated to be around $3,000. In addition to the recent damage to the washrooms, several picnic tables have been destroyed, the pavilion has been tagged with graffiti and signs have been stolen.
Huron County OPP is also aware of other recent incidents involving damages to washrooms at both elementary and high schools in Huron County.
Huron County OPP is asking the public for assistance in solving these mischief incidents. If you know anything about the recent vandalism at Bannister Park in Goderich or any other similar incidents please contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com , where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
