State police are warning the public that there could be “creepy clown” sightings this fall.

Last year, people around the United States, including in Pennsylvania, reported seeing clowns that were stalking or menacing people, particularly young children. About a dozen arrests were eventually made in Georgia, Alabama and Virginia for the clown stunts and for making false reports.

In a bulletin released this week, state police warned the public that more creepy clown sightings could take place this year, in part because of the upcoming release of “IT,” a movie adapted from a Stephen King novel in which a clown from within the sewers stalks children.

Residents are advised not to panic if they see creepy-looking clowns in public.

They can report suspicious activity to the state police’s toll-free terrorism tip line, 888-292-1919, or by sending an email to tips@pa.gov. State police also have a “See Something, Send Something” smart phone application that allows people to send a photograph or note to the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center. The application is free and available for both iPhone and Android users.