Pennsylvania State Police said release of the remake movie 'It' may fuel the trend this fall.
Creepy clown season is a thing now, and Pennsylvania State Police are warning of its return this year.
Troopers sent out a community bulletin on Wednesday, warning that "creepy clown" sightings may start popping up as soon as September due to the new remake of the movie "IT."
Clown craze: This is not the first time they have caused panic
The movie, based on a Stephen King novel with a clown character called Pennywise, opens on Sept. 8. Last year, King described the recent clown fright as a "low-level hysteria," according to the Bangor, Maine, Daily News.
In the Lehigh Valley, sightings of creepy clowns last year were reported in Phillipsburg, Pohatcong Township, Easton, Wilson Borough, North Catasauqua and South Whitehall Township.
In the Pohatcong case, the teen claimed it was a joke.
Creepy clowns: 9 things to know about the hysteria
State police encourage residents to report suspicious activity by calling the toll-free PSP Terrorism Tip Line at 888-292-1919, or by sending an email to tips@pa.gov.
The department has also launched a free app called "See Something, Send Something," where photos or tips can be sent directly to the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center.
Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.