SHEBOYGAN -- Authorities in Sheboygan and Oak Creek say they've been taking calls over the last few days reporting "creepy clowns," and they want you to know that clowning around can cost you.
The police department says the calls have reported clowns "walking about and on an occasion, partaking in nuisance type activity."
While walking around in a creepy costume is not illegal, police say "trespassing on property, knocking on residents' windows & doors, chasing citizens down the roadway and sending threatening messages on social media is and can lead to a citation or an arrest."
Oak Creek issued a similar warning Wednesday, saying that "copycat" costumed clowns have been seen in the Oak Creek area.
The "creepy clown" trend has become somewhat of a phenomenon in the United States in recent weeks, with clowns cancelling school in Omaha, being hired as hitmen in Virginia, and threatening Las Vegas students on Facebook.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest even found himself fielding questions about the subject Tuesday, replying "I don't know that the president has been briefed on this particular situation."
