Police warning against clown pranks in Weyburn

Weyburn police are warning people against scary clown pranks.

Reports of people dressed as clowns jumping out to startle motorists first came to Weyburn police two weeks ago. On Wednesday night, there were reports of even more sightings of people dressed as clowns on social media.

The trend, which some consider to be a “prank,” can have serious consequences, according to Constable Kalin Wiebe.

“As a pedestrian, being the clown, you are subject to charges under the Traffic Safety Act, startling or distracting road users,” he said to Discover Weyburn. Charges under the Traffic Safety Act usually come with a fine, but there could be the possibility of more serious charges.

“There is possible charges for the clown for an assault charge in the case that the victim feels threatened,” Wiebe said. He does know for many of the perpetrators of the clown “pranks,” it is just a joke, but the consequences are real.

Wiebe had one piece of advice for anyone who is thinking of dressing up in a clown costume and wandering the streets at night.

“If it’s not Halloween, it’s probably not a good idea to be dressing up.”