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"What might be a considered a funny prank or a practical joke to some may be a terrifying experience to others," Wilton Police Capt. John Lynch said in a statement. “The Wilton Police Department is aware of the creepy clown phenomena and takes the situation seriously."
Lynch said more residents are calling the police.
"Due to rumors, erroneous reports of sightings and social media posts, calls from concerned residents are on the rise," he said.
He assured residents that the department is on watch.
“Patrol Officers are distinctly aware of the situation and are monitoring all public areas, including the schools,” Lynch said. “The Wilton Police Department takes these incidents seriously and will investigate all reports or sightings and take the appropriate action.”
Only a few actual incidents involving violence or attempted violence have occurred nationwide, Lynch noted.
“The Wilton Police Department is asking our public citizens to monitor, educate and discourage any associated activity,” he wrote. “We ask that you contact the Wilton Police Department should there be actual incident or threat."
But he warned against making a scary joke.
"Anyone who creates a public disturbance will be charged with the appropriate offense, which may include a court appearance and fine,” he said.
Any incident or threat should be reported to the Wilton Police Department at 203-834-6260.
On Thursday, a student at a Stamford elementary school reported seeing a clown with a knife, but police said the student's imagination got the better of them. Earlier this week, Stamford police reportedly investigated a "clown threat" made on social media and School Superintendent Earl Kim issued a robocall to parents advising them of the threat and investigation.
A clown sighting was reported on Fairfield University's campus Monday night but was later determined to be a prank, according to the Department of Public Safety.
A clown sighting was also reported on the campus of Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.
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