The North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) is reminding the public that what seem like harmless pranks can result in criminal penalties. "Ding, Dong, Ditch" has evolved into "Kick and Ditch," which can result in criminal charges such as Breach of Peace and Malicious Damage to Property.

State Statute 22-05-0150 of the South Carolina Code for Breach of Peace states:

Magistrates may cause to be arrested (a) all affrayers, rioters, disturbers and breakers of the peace, (b) all who go armed offensively, to the terror of the people, (c) such as utter menaces or threatening speeches and (d) otherwise dangerous and disorderly persons. Persons arrested for any of such offenses shall be examined by the magistrate before whom they are brought and may be tried before him. Penalties may include a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or even both.

If someone causes damage, they might be criminally charged Malicious Damage to Property.

State Statute 22-05-0150 of the South Carolina Code for Malicious Damage to Property states:

(A) It is unlawful for a person to wilfully and maliciously cut, mutilate, deface, or otherwise injure a tree, house, outside fence, or fixture of another or commit any other trespass upon real property of another.
(B) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a:
(1) felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both, if the injury to the property or the property loss is worth ten thousand dollars or more;
(2) felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, if the injury to the property or the property loss is worth more than two thousand dollars but less than ten thousand dollars;
(3) misdemeanor triable in magistrates court or municipal court, notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 22-3-540, 22-3-545, 22-3-550, and 14-25-65, if the injury to the property or the property loss is worth two thousand dollars or less. Upon conviction, the person must be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

The solution: skip the pranks. Remember, there's no such thing as an innocent prank anymore. Let's work together to keep North Charleston a great place to live, work, and play.