By Aneeka Simonis
THE spooky clown ‘purge’ craze is set to hit Pakenham and Berwick.
Creepy clowns have been cropping up all over the United States, and now Victoria Police is responding to sightings of fear-mongering clowns.
A Facebook page called the Melbourne Clown Association warned people in Pakenham, Berwick and Dandenong to expect clowns in their neighbourhood.
The post was made on Friday 7 October.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Graeme Stanley said there had been no such sightings to date.
“There have been no clowns as yet, and hopefully it’ll stay that way,” he said.
The website made reference to the Apex gang, and suggested members “come out and play” with the clowns.
One person responded: “My 12-year-old daughter is now terrified of walking home from school. I hope this makes you feel good.
There was a reported sighting in a residential street in Cranbourne on Saturday 8 October.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the copycat clown purge will not be tolerated.
“Victoria Police are aware of people who are parading in the public wearing clown masks,” the spokesperson said.
“Any intimidating and threatening as well as anti-social behaviours will not be tolerated and will be investigated by police.”
Police urge anyone who does witness a clown to contact their local police station immediately.
