Police are warning people against dressing up in scary clown costumes ahead of a planned “clown purge” in Caroline Springs next month.
Administrators of a Melbourne- dedicated clown Facebook page posted a photo earlier this month, warning people clowns would be coming to Caroline Springs, Point Cook, Docklands, Melbourne and Mill Park.
The clown craze, which involves people dressing up as a clown and stalking the streets in an attempt to threaten and intimidate others, emerged recently in the US and is being replicated worldwide.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Kelly Grindley said a number of arrests had been made across the state, including Warnambool, Moe, Mildura and Melbourne. She said people could face a two-year jail sentence for possessing an article of disguise.
“We understand that some people are getting involved for a bit of fun, but … this behaviour is not amusing and, in many cases, it is criminal behaviour,” Ms Grindley said. “Victoria Police does not tolerate intimidation, the incitement of fear or the carrying of weapons.”
Earlier this month, Keilor Downs College was on high alert after social media posts warned that clowns were expected to pay the school a visit.
Police said the incident wasn’t clown- related, but officers found a mask hanging over a passenger seat of a car parked near the school.
If you have information relating to the clown craze, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
