Despite the "creep" factor, it's not illegal to dress up like a clown. And it is a crime to threaten, tackle or otherwise hurt a law abiding clown.

Reports of creepy clowns nationwide have caused near hysteria and excitement in some communities – and some arrests for false reports and intimidation – but little if any substance has been found in the claims of clowns attempting to abduct children.

IUPD-Bloomington Capt. Andy Stephenson said students, employees and visitors to campus should call police if they see a clown committing a crime – just as they should call police when they see anybody committing a crime. And he said that those planning to dress up as clowns for Halloween may want to come up with a different idea.

"Right now, I’m worried about the clowns getting hurt," he said on Wednesday, after several bogus reports about sightings on campus.