Renton School District contacted families this week, addressing the recent trend of creepy clown sightings and social media hoaxes.

In a press release, the district ensured that police officers who serve as School Resource Officers are assigned to all three high schools for the safety of all students. The release also stated that they are sending messages to all district families, encouraging them to remind students to report suspicious behavior or threats.

“We are sending this message to all district families asking that they remind child/teens to always report any suspicious behavior or threats directly to an adult at home or school. And that they stress the dire consequences of being involved in making such threats, which are subject to criminal prosecution,” the press release said.

The clown hysteria began in South Carolina in August with multiple reports of clowns attempting to lure children into woods. Since then, the trend spread as police across the country are receiving reports of costumed clowns walking around and scaring people.

Clown photos threatening violence have been surfacing on social media as well, but many have proven to be hoaxes. Arrests, including of teenagers, have been made across the country concerning threats of violence.

Renton police said they haven’t received any complains as of Wednesday evening, though photos of clowns at The Landing have surfaced.

“Unless there’s some kind of criminal violation (and no, there’s no “clowning without a license” ordnance that I know of), we will not be taking any kind of enforcement action past trespassing if a property owner wanted them removed,” said Detective Robert Onishi.