Scary clown trend leads to police warnings worldwide

By JIM PURCELL

Stephen King fans the world over may think of the author's signature "It" prankster when they think about scary clowns. However, there is a disturbing trend circulating throughout the country that takes scary clowns out of the pages of books and is putting them on our streets. This is especially concerning as Halloween, Oct. 31, is tomorrow.

According to a printed report by AFP today, written by Rhona Wise, it's better for everyone to leave the creepy clown costumes at home this Halloween, as there is 'clown hysteria' gripping the nation. This report is not a prank: far from it, as unusal sightings in South Carolina were noted this past summer of people dressed as clowns with them trying to lure children into the woods.

Sightings of people wearing bizarre clown costumes has since spread to more than 20 states, along with associated incidents reported by police. The craze has jumped the U.S. border and there have even been sightings of such bizarrely dressed people exhibiting themselves in Europe, South America and Australia.

According to Miami police spokeswoman Yelitza Cedano Hernandez, in a report issued by the AFP, people can dress as clowns but if a prank is performed and someone is hurt, the responsible party (and their parents if they are minors) will be brought to court.

Meanwhile, in Kemper County, Missouri, an outright ban of clown gear has been instituted whereby, if someone is found in violation of the sanction, they will be charged a $150 fine. There are clown incidents, bans and concerns also circulating throughout the nation.

This hysteria comes at a particularly bad time with Halloween a day away and, as it has been since time immemorial, clown costumes have been historically popular.

Maybe the recent 'clown craze' is mostly an innocent symptom of popular culture. Maybe, some part of those interested in this craze are taking it too far or are, in fact, criminals seeking to hide their identity. One thing is for sure, there is a condition known as coulrophobia, which is a specific fear of clowns.

According to researchers from California State University, young children can be especially reactive to people dressed as clowns. However, coulrophobia strikes a large number of adults, as well. Yet, whether it is Cambridge, Massachusetts or Cambridge, United Kingdom, police are saying the same thing with one voice this year: Don't dress as clowns this Halloween and don't perform any pranks because there are people who have already taken this practice too far. Playing on people's fears isn't funny, whether it is Halloween or any other day of the year.