Maitland police threaten charges of intimidation, trespassing as clown craze ramps up

Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector Mitch Dubojski has warned about the dangers of a new trend that involves people dressing as clowns, loitering in public places and chasing people.

There have been several cases reported in the Hunter in recent days, as the the phenomenon has gathered momentum on social media across the nation.

But police say they will take a tough stance against people caught intimidating others, trespassing or behaving in an otherwise dangerous way.

There have been 14 reports of people lurking in clown suits in the area since Friday afternoon.

There have been sightings at Kurri Kurri, Maitland, Metford, Telarah, Morpeth, Abermain, Ashtonfield, Rutherford and Green Hills.

Inspector Dubojski said police during the past week had become aware of the craze, which was thought to have originated in the United States.

He urged people to call police and not take matters in their own hands if intimidated by someone in a clown suit.

Inspector Dubojski said the actions posed serious risks in the community.

“They could be blocking traffic and get hit by cars, they could injure themselves,” he said.

“Some people might mistake it for humourous behaviour but there could be real impacts for vulnerable people.

“If people are entering private property then we can charge them with trespassing.

“We could also charge them with intimidation.”