Fort Myers Villas ding dong ditch video sparks neighborhood debate

FORT MYERS VILLAS, Fla. (WINK)—A viral ding-dong ditch video posted in a Fort Myers Villas Facebook group is sparking debate online.

The Ring camera video shows a group of girls running up to a home on Fordham Street, knocking on the door, then running off. According to one neighbor, around five or six homes were hit by ding dong ditchers near Fordham Street and La Salle Avenue.

The video circulated online, sparking debate over whether it was just a harmless prank or a safety concern. Homeowner Morgan McWilliams says he and his wife were at Walgreens when it happened.

"When we went back on the ring to look, you could hear them pretty forcefully banging on the door and then running away," McWilliams said.

McWilliams says he didn't feel threatened but understands why some people were shaken up.

"There were a couple of neighbors that maybe they don't have a partner, they're living alone or maybe they've had a bad experience in the past," McWilliams said.

It didn't take long for others to find out about what happened in Fort Myers Villas.

"There was a couple neighbors that had posted a video, and others had reported the ding-dong ditch," McWilliams said.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office says deputies did respond to a call, but no report was taken. Off camera, one neighbor who called 911 told WINK News the prank did scare her, and she hopes the kids don't do it again.

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Buddy Chambers, a neighbor, says he remembers doing the same thing as a kid.

"I mean, it was fun," Chambers said.

But they still need to be careful.

"You don't know who's behind the door," Chambers said. "I see how that's a concern, and some people might be a little timid."

"I would hope that the girls are recognized and they can maybe sit down and have a productive conversation," McWilliams said.

The sheriff's office said in a statement:

"While activities and games like this may seem harmless to some, they can create unnecessary fear, confusion, and safety concerns for residents particularly during late-night hours.

We want to remind parents and guardians that what may begin as a prank can quickly escalate into dangerous situations. Homeowners may take unexpected activity at their doors as a potential threat, increasing the risk of confrontations, calls to law enforcement, or accidental injury.

From a law enforcement standpoint, we strongly encourage families to speak with their children about respecting private property and understanding the potential consequences of these actions. Our priority is maintaining the safety of both residents and the juveniles involved.

We ask the community to report suspicious activity appropriately, avoid taking matters into their own hands, and allow deputies to handle situations safely and professionally.

Our deputies are committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe and help is needed through education, communication, and community partnership."

The sheriff's office also encouraging parents to talk with their kids about respecting private property and understanding how quickly situations like this can escalate.