Police forces and school districts across B.C. are urging caution as a bizarre trend dubbed the "clownpocalypse" on social media triggers arrests and school lockdowns.
It comes in the midst of a string of "creepy clown" sightings in Canadian cities including Toronto, Halifax and Edmonton, as well as many U.S. cities.
The phenomenon has also involved threats made on social media, and usually involves vague warnings about violence at schools.
That's prompted action by police forces in British Columbia.
Surrey RCMP are asking the public to report any unusual clown sightings after a terrifying incident Wednesday night where a man wearing a clown mask jumped out of the bushes and chased four teenagers.
"He was carrying something in his hands that may have been a baseball bat. The male was laughing as he was chasing them," said Sgt. Alanna Dunlop.
No one was injured but the force is taking the incident very seriously.
In nearby Langley, a stranger wearing a clown mask apparently approached middle school students on their way to class, which prompted a note sent home to parents.
"On two recent mornings students have reported being confronted by a stranger in a clown mask on the way to school," the letter dated Thursday from HD Stafford Middle School reads.
Principal Shawn Davids said the school administration and RCMP believe there is no immediate danger to students, but advises students to walk in pairs and avoid distractions like iPods and text messaging.
“Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that students walking to school be vigilant in the coming weeks as we approach Halloween and in light of the ‘creepy clown’ internet phenomenon being reported,” Davids wrote.
Two teens in Prince George, B.C., were arrested after a posting a clown-related post on Instagram that read: "Every school in PG is about to get hit."
The post prompted a partial lockdown at a local high school. RCMP said at no time did its investigators believe the threat was credible, but officials asked all area schools to keep children inside and lock all external doors.
"Although we had no evidence that indicated violent action would take place, police were deeply concerned about the threats and acted with an abundance of caution," Cpl. Craig Douglass said.
The 17-year-old taken into custody was released without charges, but the 16-year-old was scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday and criminal charges are being considered.
More threats were reported to local schools on Friday, prompting six area high schools to be briefly locked down.
RCMP investigators in the latest case determined that the threats were not credible and, in some cases, outdated.
With an increased police presence posted at schools in the Prince George area, Douglass said the investigation into the threats was tying up resources "that could be better used responding to where they are truly needed."
Douglass reminded parents to play a role in their children's social media activity – and to report anything suspicious.
"Anyone believed to be involved in these threats will be the subject of a police response and treated seriously until determined otherwise," he said.
Meanwhile, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Surrey and Vancouver have Instagram clown accounts, with one hinting at several schools being targeted.
A growing trend
Incidents involving menacing or sinister clowns are garnering headlines across Canada.
Nova Scotia drivers were badly rattled at night last week after a gang of strangers dressed as clowns blocked cars.
As many as five clown-costumed characters surrounded Michelle Doubleday's vehicle, which she described as "like a nightmare coming true right in front of me."
In Toronto, two students were detained after a teen allegedly dressed up as a clown and chased students around the school property. The prank was posted to YouTube.
While the students won't be charged, Const. Jenifferjit Sidhu of the Toronto Police warns that others could be.
"It's not illegal to dress up or wear a costume. It's the actual actions of the individuals, that's what constitutes an offence under the criminal code," Sidhu said.
The clown pranks are drawing serious police resources to American schools, where every threat is taken seriously.
It's even drawn concern from the White House.
"This is a situation that local law enforcement authorities take quite seriously," said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest.
Social media users have been documenting the prank phenomenon under the hashtag #Clownsightings.
