Germany implements 'no tolerance' policy against 'creepy clowns'

BERLIN, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- German authorities and retailers have announced they will not tolerate the sale or use of "creepy clown" costumes in advance of Halloween.

German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere stated there would be "no tolerance" for the rash of attacks involving people dressed in "creepy clown" outfits, according to the BBC.

"When people face threats of violence on a wide scale, it can be treated as an offense," he said. "It no longer has anything to do with harmless Halloween traditions."

At least 30 attacks, robberies or assaults involving suspects in clown masks have been reported in the past weeks in Germany, the Washington Post reported.

German department store chains Karstadt and Galeria Kaufhof have stopped selling the creepy clown masks in response to the attacks, while Deiters fancy dress store decided to keep them on the shelves.

The clown attacks began in South Carolina in August and spread overseas to other countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom through social media.

In the United Kingdom, some bars plan to deny entry to patrons dressed in clown masks on Halloween and increase police presence.

Maiziere said that German police would also remain on high alert and only their presence and swift action would prevent further attacks.