'Creepy clowns' come to SoCal, police warn residents

LANCASTER, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - Authorities in Lancaster Wednesday warned people to be aware of a new "prank'' involving a group of males approaching pedestrians while wearing clown masks and possibly carrying kitchen knives.

"At this time, our station is aware of three individual incidents throughout the city,'' said a statement issued by the sheriff's Lancaster Station.

"In all three incidents, there was nothing taken from the victims and it appears that the group of suspects is only trying to scare the victims,'' the statement said.

There have also been reports of "scare tactic'' style videos appearing online, the sheriff's department reported.

"As we approach Halloween, we remind our citizens to stay aware of their surroundings and to call our station at (661) 948-8466 should they be a victim of an incident like this,'' the statement said.

In case of any emergency, residents were advised to call 911.

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