WILTSHIRE Police have issued a warning to clown pranksters following an increase in alarming incidents over the weekend. 

In a message posted on social media, the force urged those tempted to take part in the latest fad to think about their actions. 

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “We would like to remind people intent on engaging in this type of behaviour that your actions can cause fear and anxiety to people which could lead to public order offences being committed. In turn, this could lead to a criminal record. 

“Please think about your actions carefully. Any reports of offences committed will be fully investigated.”

The intervention follows a weekend of rumoured and confirmed clown sightings across the Swindon area. 

In one incident, in the Cloatley Crescent area of Royal Wootton Bassett, two young ladies were followed by someone dressed as a clown as they walked home. 

A statement posted to Facebook by the local neighbourhood policing team warned that while the issue may be amusing to some, there is also a very serious side to it. 

They added: “Whilst the young ladies did the right thing and called the police as they were being followed, we would like to remind people who think this is funny, that it frightens members of the community.”

Clown encounters have also allegedly taken place in Pinehurst, Redhouse, Highworth, Rodbourne and Haydon End. 

The clown craze, which has seen individuals in costumes carrying out sinister pranks in the hope of terrifying adults and children, had previously been confined to the United States. 

But in recent days it has made its way across the Atlantic and it now appears that British towns, including Swindon, are to be the next target. 

Fancy dress shops have reported an increase in enquiries about clown masks, both via their social media accounts and in person. 

One store, Skywalkers in Canal Walk, sold many more masks this weekend than they would normally 

One man even enquired about the possibility of buying 20 masks at one go. 

Interestingly, while children have been coming into the store chatting about clown masks, it is those aged between 20 and 30 that have been parting with their cash. 

Ann Niblett, manageress of Giggles fancy dress shop on Farringdon Road, said it was difficult to know what those buying the masks were intending to do. 

“I do encourage people to be responsible but there is a limited amount you can do,” she said.

“If you go into Sainsbury’s and buy a box of eggs you don’t get asked what you’re going to do with them.”

One woman messaged the Adver to say her son and three friends were playing hide and seek in woods near their home "when a clown came out of nowhere dressed in black and white stripes and a full on mask. Just warning any parents in Wanborough." 

Have you encountered any clowns over the past few days?

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