Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. (US Und.) a form of robbery whereby one member of a gang kicks in the front of a shop and steals the contents while the remainder of the gang stand outside and keep any interference at bay.

1940

(ref. to 1900s) H. Asbury Gangs of Chicago (2002) 217: The ‘kick-in‘ [...] With half a dozen gangsters in his wagon, Merry would drive up to a previously selected shop or store. One man remained on the wagon [...] and two stood guard with revolvers on the sidewalk, threatening pedestrians and watching for the police, while Merry kicked in the door [...] and carried out the loot.

2. a fight, an act of violence.

2004

B. Parris Making of a Legionnaire 140: Bullies? Lads with a real appetite for a kick-in, and some pathetic need to frighten others?