Police say it's only a matter of time before there are more sightings of clowns in the Columbus area.
Residents in several central Ohio counties have reported seeing individuals dressed up as clowns.
Recent local sightings have been reported in Mansfield, Galion, Lancaster, Newark, Marion and Guernsey County. Police say there is no "known threat" but are telling people not to approach any clowns they come across.
There is a concern for safety because some are accused of breaking into homes and cars, as well as going after kids.
In the Lancaster area, police say there were several reported sightings of clowns, including two at schools. Lancaster Police say by the time they responded to the reports, there was no one dressed as a clown in the area.
Police have since stepped up patrols in the Lancaster.
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Comments and responses from local police agencies concerning the recent clown trend:
NEWARK
“We are aware of social media posts and are monitoring the concerns.”
-Sgt. Clint Eskins, Newark Police Department
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MARION
“MPD has responded to approximately 20 different reports of clown activity since 9/22. None of these incidents have involved a physical confrontation with weapons. None of these incidents have involved persons breaking into homes and/or attacking anyone with weapons as had been reported on some social media sites.
MPD asks that persons not dress in clown costumes with the intent of creating fear or hysteria. People should keep in mind that some people have an inherent fear of clowns. They should also keep in mind that many people today have concealed carry permits. We do not want for an otherwise law abiding citizen to over-react and cause harm to one of these people. We also do not want someone dressed in a clown costume for fun to put someone in a bad situation. Persons who dress in clown costume who trespass on the property of another, confront persons in an aggressive manner and/or are in possession of a weapon will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
MPD has assigned officers in unmarked cars to patrol neighborhoods and to respond to suspicious activity. To date, we have not located any person in costume when responding to these calls. Detectives continue to work leads to discourage illegal and dangerous activity. Keep in mind that simply walking down the street in a clown costume is not illegal in and of itself. Still, we ask that people report activity that they deem suspicious or illegal. We also ask that parents have an open discussion with their children about the dangers of dressing in costume, particularly at a time when there has been much fear generated around this particular issue.”
- Lt. B.J. Gruber, Marion Police Dept.
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RICHLAND CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE
“Residents should have good exterior lighting and lock their doors and windows when they are not at home or when they go to bed at night. Anyone who observes a suspicious person or activities should call their local law enforcement agency and be able to provide a description and location of the person(s).”
- Chief Deputy, Major Joe Masi, Richland County Sheriff's Office
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AUGLAIZE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind anyone who may be considering dressing up in a clown costume and scaring people, could be faced with multiple charges which could include trespassing, inducing panic, menacing and disorderly conduct. If you are having difficulty finding something more productive to do with your life and dressing up as a clown and scaring people, we have a list of charitable organizations that could use your assistance to pass the time.