Eerie red balloons seen on public drainages in US ahead of ‘It’ movie

Renowned novelist Stephen King recently gave out his seal of approval for the upcoming movie adaptation of his classic horror masterpiece “It” by putting a red balloon just outside the window of his home.

READ: Stephen King on ‘It’ movie adaptation: ‘I was not prepared how good it was’

Now, several copycats are doing the same, but are putting it in more strategically creepier places like public flood gates—similar to the movie.

The Lititz Borough Police Department in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, captured such incident and posted it online.

“A certain movie is coming to theaters in two days, and a local prankster took it upon themselves to promote the movie,” a post from the department’s official Facebook page read, along with photos of the spooky balloon attached to a public drainage system.

“We give points for creativity, however we want the local prankster to know that we were completely terrified as we removed these balloons from the grates and we respectfully request they do not do that again. If you’re not sure what we’re talking about, search “It” and watch the preview, but we suggest watching the preview with a friend or coworker with all the lights on and the sound down low,” the post read, which has been shared over 16,000 times on Facebook.

The balloon, of course, signifies the presence of the malignant entity in the film, “Pennywise the clown.”

Aside from warning the public not to spook people with the balloons, authorities also said that “creepy clown” sightings in the streets could return, as the film gains popularity.

“The creepy clown craze in September 2016 resulted in at least a dozen people arrested in Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia for either taking part in the menacing stunt or for making false reports,” a representative from the department told the Huffington Post.  /ra