Lawrence is no exception to the ongoing nationwide reports of folks dressed up as clowns, though police say they’ve yet to actually see one of these costumed characters.

Since Oct. 3, Lawrence Police Sgt. Amy Rhoads said the department has had around 16 reports “where someone either allegedly had an interaction with someone dressed as a clown, saw someone dressed as a clown, or had questions regarding clowns.”

Despite more than a dozen reports, Lawrence police officers still haven’t even seen someone dressed as a clown. Even if they did, it’s not illegal to dress like a clown, Rhoads noted.

It remains unclear what’s caused the influx of clowns across the country.

If this is because Halloween is so close, then I’ve got to say, I’ve seen better costumes.

And if this has nothing to do with the impending holiday, then I’d say y’all can go ahead and do your thing. It’s strange, but whatever.

While Rhoads said other police departments may have seen violent incidents reported with people dressed as clowns, no such criminal activity has taken place in Lawrence.

I report on crime and courts for the Journal-World. I can be reached by email at cswanson@ljworld.com, by phone at (785) 832-7284 or on Twitter @Conrad_Swanson.