A rash of "creepy clown" sightings have prompted officials in Toms River to increase security at the town's schools.

"The recent social media posts and threats to schools seem to originate from outside of New Jersey," a Toms River police spokesman said in a statement. "Facebook shares and retweets have brought these concerns to New Jersey."

Police say there has been no reported credible threat in Toms River, but extra officers will be posted at schools as a precaution.

The clown sightings have been sweeping the nation over the past several months. According to Toms River police, the sightings started as a movie promotion and then sparked copycats.

Several clown sightings were reported in Phillipsburg earlier this week.

Security was also increased at the Central Islip and North Babylon school districts on Long Island after the Suffolk County Police Department received reports of people in clown costumes menacing residents.

A school district in Reading, Ohio, also closed schools after a woman reported being grabbed around the neck by a man dressed like a clown. The woman said the clown made threats against students.