GIRARD, Ohio - The remake of a classic Stephen King horror tale about a homicidal clown is the apparent inspiration for red balloons being placed around the city of Girard.

Police have received several reports of the helium filled balloons being tied to sewer grates around the city.

A 21 News producer spotted one Wednesday morning at East Howard and State Streets.

A dispatcher who answered the phone Wednesday said police are not conducting an investigation since they are aware that the balloons are likely inspired by the movie “It” which opens this week in theaters.

The film is a remake of the movie based on King's story about Pennywise, a child-eating clown who lives in the sewers and leaves red balloons as his calling card.

Police in the Pennsylvania borough of Lititz has reported similar balloon sightings in their community.

Last year around the Halloween season, police departments in the Valley and the rest of the country investigated reports from people frightened by people dressed as clowns.