Lake County Gazette

In a year of bizarre clown sightings and subsequent media coverage, the City of Highland Park Police Department cautions residents that 2016 may not be the best year to dress up as a circus entertainer.

Citing safety as its No. 1 concern, the department recently released a statement warning that the nationwide spate of “creepy clown” sightings puts a damper on the concept of wearing clown costumes on this particular Halloween.

 “While it is not illegal to wear a clown suit, acting in a disturbing or alarming manner can be illegal,” the department said. “Actions such as threatening statements, hiding or acting in a threatening manner can constitute a violation of the law and should be reported to the Police Department.”

Police Chief Paul Shafer urged residents to stay vigilant as on every other Oct. 31 celebration, with the added caveat that the widely publicized “creepy clown” reports “raise concern about safety in our community for our school-age children and the public at large.”

Citizens should contact 911 for an emergency or 847.432.7730 for a non-emergency.

“Also, please be reminded that it is illegal to falsely report an incident to the police,” the department said. “We strongly discourage anyone from acting in a manner which disturbs or alarms individuals, whether (costumed) or not.”