CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. -- Recent reports of clown-related threats at schools around the country has motivated the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office to increase patrols around schools.
In a Facebook post Friday, the agency indicated that "although there has been no credible threat to any Teachers or Students in Charlotte County, the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office will be providing additional Patrols in and around all county schools today as a matter of precaution."
The sheriff's office cites a story this week out of St, Joseph, Missouri, where a clown social media account made threats to kidnap of kill teachers or students.
There have been numerous other incidents reported involving clowns in recent weeks.
Several Ohio schools canceled classes Friday after a clown-related attack.
Parents in Las Vegas were disturbed this week about a creepy clown profile on Facebook that's posted threats aimed at both a school and individuals.
The FBI is now getting involved after reported sightings of sinister individuals in clown costumes in Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Ohio, Florida and Kentucky.
MORE: The psychology behind why clowns creep some people out
