Singapore — Social media challenges, regardless of the amount of logic involved, can take the world by storm — this time, a gantry barrier was the victim as a teen was spotted walking away with the public property in tow.
Known as the “Devious Licks” challenge on the short video creation app TikTok, members of the public have been recording themselves stealing or vandalising public property and then uploading footage online.
The challenge has sparked numerous incidents of teens stealing, mainly from school property, from bathroom soap dispensers to fire extinguishers.
In the United States, it was reported that at least 13 students currently face criminal charges for taking part in the challenge.
On Sunday (Nov 28), Facebook page Beh Chia Lor – Singapore Road shared a video of a teen walking away from a carpark with the gantry barrier over his shoulder. The video had the caption, “hit that devious lick.”
The video sparked concern among netizens, noting the teen’s actions should be classified as vandalism.
“Why isn’t such acts treated as vandalism and the culprits caned without trial?” asked Facebook user SG Maverick.
“There are so many cameras around Singapore. Even if you post on TikTok without showing your face, be prepared to drink coffee with SPF (Singapore Police Force),” added Facebook user Vincent Yap.
Two separate “Devious Licks” incidents were reported in September this year.
On one occasion, two teenage girls recorded themselves partaking in the challenge and removing the railing in an elevator.
Before that, two teenage boys participated in the challenge by removing signage at the Kaki Bukit MRT station belonging to the Land Transport Authority and another belonging to the National Environment Agency.
On Sept 19, SPF released a statement that it was aware of the incidents and investigating them for vandalism. /TISG
Read related: Two boys, 14 & 15, investigated by police for vandalism related to ‘Devious Licks’ TikTok stunt
Two boys, 14 & 15, investigated by police for vandalism related to ‘Devious Licks’ TikTok stunt