Wearing a clown mask has become more than a part of Halloween trick or treating, or a way to make people laugh.

In recent weeks the clown trend from the U.S. of running at people as a means to scare them has made its way to Airdrie.

On the weekend, a mother and her children were terrified in Williamstown when two young men ran at them in clown masks and proceeded to peer through their front door once the family was inside.

Airdrie RCMP have responded to numerous reports and 911 calls of suspicious clowns that they believe do not appear to be related.

Cst. Jennifer Weedmark of the Airdrie RCMP said there have been no charges laid to date, however some of the occurrences remain open for further investigation.

Although it's not illegal to dress up in good fun, Weedmark said that it's illegal to harass and intimidate the public.

Depending on the severity of the situation, RCMP will consider Criminal Code Charges that include Mischief, Uttering Threats or Causing a Disturbance.

Weedmark said that if you have any information regarding clown sightings, contact the RCMP detachment at 403-945-7200.