A craze which originated in the US where people dress up as scary clowns and take to the streets to intimidate members of the public has made its way to the Border.
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A Facebook page, called Ain't Clowning Around - Albury Wodonga, was set up early Friday morning, and has already posted several threatening statuses with violent undertones.
"We will be targeting schools in Lavington next week, Murray High School, James Fallon, Xavier High School [sic]," one post read.
It’s not the only regional centre where clowns have been spotted. Sightings have been reported from as fair afield as Mandurah and Northam in WA, and across a variety of Sydney suburbs, including Campbelltown.
One video uploaded to the Albury page, which already has more than 2800 likes, shows a man dressed as a clown running up behind someone and giving them a fright in a street.
Albury Police was quick to condemn the anti-social behaviour, and said those behind it could face criminal charges.
Acting inspector Tim Winkelman said officers were aware of the Facebook page and had been monitoring posts over the weekend.
“Those who partake in such behaviour could be opening themselves up to prosecution,” he told The Border Mail.
“Those involved need to consider the consequences of covering their face, arming themselves, and intimidating a member of the public.”
Another video, uploaded Saturday afternoon, appears to show a group of men in a confrontation in the car park of Lavington Square Shopping Centre.
"He's getting bashed," a woman can be heard saying. "They've got his bat, they took his mask off."
Many visitor posts on the Facebook page claimed it is a hoax and that there have been no clown sightings on the Border.
Inspector Winkelman lamented that some in the Border had taken to the fad.
“It is a concern that people feel a need to express themselves in such a way … regardless of the mock nature,” he said.
Three 16-year-olds were detained in the early hours of Saturday morning after reports they were armed with poles in Albury.
Police said the incident was not related to the clowning fad.
The teenagers were dealt with under the provisions of the Young Offenders Act.
Victoria Police condemned “the clown purge” on its Facebook page and said charges could follow for those involved.
“Any intimidating or threatening, as well as anti-social behaviours will not be tolerated and will be investigated,” a statement read.
“Please contact your local police station if you have any concerns.”