Binghamton Police Chief Addresses the Creepy Clown Sightings

In recent days, the term "clowning around" has taken on a different meaning. For me, it meant having fun and doing something irrelevant. We hear about clown sightings throughout the Southern Tier.

My daughter, Riley had been told by a friend that a clown was seen on Upper Front Street. In fact, her friend said that she had tried to video tape it but couldn't get good footage.

You may have heard about the Creepy Clowns at the Binghamton High School that turned out to be a hoax. I even heard a rumor about some Creepy Clowns might be in Harpursville on Friday.

I even know some people that said that they may not trick or treat this Halloween because of the Creepy Clowns.

It's hard to decide what to take serious and what to just let go. I don't want to be wrong. It's gotten to the point that Binghamton police chief, Joseph Zikuski issued this statement:

“Due to recent media reports of so-called “clown activity,” parents and residents in the City of Binghamton should know the following:

Law enforcement agencies in Upstate New York and in nearly a dozen U.S. states have received reports of unusual activity involving individuals dressed as clowns. While some of these reports are confirmed, most are believed to be a hoax.

The number of reported clown sightings and social media discussion appears to be gaining popularity as a practical joke. With Halloween approaching, it is likely this trend will continue through October.

As always, residents should contact the Binghamton Police Department with information on any suspicious activity, 24/7, at (607) 772-7076.”

Remember the song "Send in the Clowns"? Yeah, don't send them our way.

[via Police/City of Binghamton]