An 18-year-old TikTok “prankster”, who filmed himself entering people’s homes without their permission, has been detained by police.
Speaking to LBC News, officers said that the arrest was the result of an investigation into a number of videos of incidents “including apparently unsolicited approaches made towards members of the public in the street or on transport, and entering addresses” without the permission of the owners.
In another ‘prank’, the viral TikToker films himself running away with an elderly woman’s dog while laughing, before returning the animal to its distressed owner.
The main individual who features in the footage—known online as “Mizzy”—has since had both his YouTube page and Tik Tok account removed. Scotland Yard confirmed they arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of causing a public nuisance on Monday (May 22) evening.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway of the Central East Command Unit, which is responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “I do not underestimate the widespread upset, distress and concern that these videos caused. Some people have referred to these as ‘prank’ videos, but I hope that this significant development demonstrates just how seriously we have been taking this investigation since this footage began circulating online.”
He added: “A number of these videos were produced, impacting on many different people, and our investigation remains ongoing as we seek to build a strong picture of both the activity featured in the footage and impact on the public.”
A TikTok spokesperson said: “Our community guidelines are clear that we prohibit content promoting criminal activity. In relation to this issue, we have banned accounts for violating these guidelines.”
