The "Creepy Clown" phenomenon has claimed another victim: Clown masks at a major retailer.

Target announced on Monday it has removed some types of clown masks from its stores and website.

"Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online," Target spokesman Joshua Thomas said in an email.

Scary costumes are still available on the websites of at Walmart, Kmart and Party City, according to their websites.

Sightings of scary clowns began in Phillipsburg and quickly spread around New Jersey. Many of the sightings turned out to be false with several teens arrested for making online threats.

In recent weeks Montclair has outright banned clown costumes from school Halloween costumes while Clark, Roselle Park and Scotch Plains-Fanwood suggested not wearing them.

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