Scary clown sightings in area

Police responded to a report from an elementary school in Stayner Oct. 20 that sometime between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. school staff saw two individuals dressed as clowns and told them to leave school property.

“Huronia OPP warn, those who choose to dress in clown costumes with the intention to intimidate or scare others could be charged under the Criminal Code of Canada or under a Provincial Statute. Police are treating this phenomenon seriously and want those who think this act is funny to know, it is not,” said police.

Caledon police received a complaint at about 7 p.m. on Oct. 16 of a person dressed as a clown in a park near Mill View Court and Airport Rd., in the Town of Caledon. Two youths in the park reported being approached by a person dressed as a clown.  The youth became scared and fled, they were not followed and there was no communication and contact between the youth and the person dressed as the clown. The two youth reported to police that they believe that the person dressed as the clown may have been a teenager in disguise.   No injuries were reported, but the two youths were reportedly shaken up by this occurrence.

Recent events elsewhere in the Province, as well as in the United States, have been reported and in many cases have been found to be “pranks”. This type of behaviour is serious and those found to be responsible could be charged under the Criminal Code for an offence, such as mischief.  

Police would like to remind all residents that these types of incidents are taken seriously by police and will be investigated. Pranks put an unnecessary strain on police resources.  

The police would like the community to be aware of these types of incidents and if it is not an emergency to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122.  If it is an emergency, call 911. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).