Pokemon game can cause danger warn local police

The new Pokemon Go app has taken the world by storm with gamers across the globe trying to ‘catch em all.’ Players are reminded to ‘be alert at all times’ and ‘stay aware of your surroundings’;
local police couldn’t agree more.

They managed to snap up a Pidgeotto in the back of the car but are keen to ensure the game doesn’t result in injury.

“It appears we don’t just catch criminals as we discovered Pidgeotto trying to lift kit out of the back of our car this afternoon,” said the PSNI Lisburn Facebook page.“I know this trend is taking the world by storm at the minute but please be careful when trying to catch the wee critters as they are appearing on sides of roads and in busy built up areas. #BeAwareOfYourSurroundings #‎pokemonVpsni‬.”

The warning comes after police in Craigavon flagged up potential dangers.

“Pokemon Go is not designed to be played from a vehicle that’s moving on a road. This is a massive road safety issue; at best, it’s careless,” they said on Facebook. “You can’t cruise about the road at 15mph; its far too dangerous folks, regardless of the time of day.”

The Craigavon police team added: “We too are loving trying to ‘catch em all’ but please folks, be careful.

“I’ve come across groups of kids out in the dark, cars parked up in weird and wonderful places and, the most frightening, someone cruising slowly about in the car because her wee sister wanted to catch some Pokemon”. Earlier they gave some tips: “‘I need help catching this Pokemon’ is not really a police matter, and definitely not one for 999; if you find one near a road, look left and right before crossing, rather than staring just at the screen and aimlessly wandering. Pokemon may be virtual reality, but cars are very real, and very sore; if you’re driving, don’t even think about it - £60 fine and three points would give Pikachu the last laugh.”