The clowns terrorizing neighborhoods (word of mouth, I've not looked or read into it much) apparently originated in the south east and have made their way into my area, Northern Virginia, I guess. It's been all over the local papers. One thing is unanimous around here though: if a clown is seen on private property, he will more than likely leave in a body bag. People with half a brain aren't afraid, especially because most people around here live in wooded, rural areas and have more than a few guns.
I've never feared clowns, I don't understand the phobia - but to each his own. I laughed when I heard about this whole thing. It's really stupid.