You may have heard about or seen on social media the new 'craze' of people dressing as scary clowns and approaching people in order to frighten and intimidate them.
When visiting one of the local primary schools, it was raised as a concern by the staff that children are afraid and concerned about being approached when out in the community.
We would like to reassure members of the public that we have not received any reports of this behaviour in Teignmouth and Dawlish. Should you witness any of this behaviour, please contact the police as these people are arrestable.
This behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Chief Inspector Cath Farrin said: “Many of you are no doubt aware of the latest trend of people dressing up as clowns and scaring unsuspecting members of the public. Many carry this out as a harmless prank, but unfortunately it appears that there are occasions where people are trying to cause distress to children; we have even had unsubstantiated reports of one carrying a weapon.
Source: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?id=76986fa7-17e7-4470-ac5d-e0b7caefadc2