AFTER reports of people in Hampshire dressing up as clowns and jumping out from hiding and scaring people, police are warning the pranksters they risk arrest and prosecution.
Superintendent Paul Bartolomeo of Hampshire Police spokesman said: “We have had a number of reports of such incidents across Hampshire.
“We don’t want to be killjoys but some of these incidents have been extremely frightening for those involved.
“We would ask people to think about the impact of their actions. What to them is a harmless prank, could be an intimidating and threatening experience to others, especially young children and vulnerable people.
“Also, by taking part in this craze, people could find themselves in a situation which leads to a public order incident. They could be arrested and ultimately end up with a criminal record.
“These incidents are also taking up valuable police time and resources, and will ultimately have an impact on other calls coming into the control room and officers attending other incidents.
“This appears to be a national craze at the moment and we would strongly advise people in Hampshire not to be part of it.”
Those with concerns, or needing to report an incident, should all police on 101.