As excitement over Pokémon Go spreads across the country, police in New Westminster are warning gamers to be careful while playing the popular game.
Pokémon Go is an app for smartphones that, once downloaded, encourages players to search for and catch virtual Pokémon at real-life landmarks. The game, which was only recently made available to Canadian smartphone users, is based on the popular Pokémon television show and game from the mid-90s.
While the game has received much praise for getting people up and moving, New Westminster police are concerned some users are so focused on the game they’re putting themselves at risk.
“We are already hearing stories of people walking into traffic and off cliffs in the United States while playing the new Pokémon Go,” Staff Sgt. Chad Johnston said in an email to the Record. “Pokémon Go is clearly taking a grip on gamers and on one hand is getting people up and moving around, which is great however people seem to be so intent of ‘catching ’em all’ they are not paying attention to what is happening around them, which can obviously be dangerous.”
Johnston said he himself has witnessed several players, so absorbed in the game, walk into trees and trip over landscaping rocks.
“We want players to enjoy the game but please be aware of your surroundings,” he urged.
Police south of the Fraser are also cautioning Pokémon Go gamers after a New Westminster man was arrested for an alleged sexual assault last week.
The incident happened on Wednesday, July 13 shortly before midnight. Using Whisper, an online chat app, a 19-year-old woman arranged to meet with a 31-year-old New West man at a park in North Delta to catch Pokémon together.
But when the woman showed up, the man allegedly made sexual advances towards her. She fled and reported the incident to police, who picked up the suspect a short while later, according to acting Sgt. Sarah Swallow, spokesperson for the Delta Police.
The man was arrested but released on a promise to appear in court at a later date. Investigators are recommending he be charged with sexual assault, Swallow said in an email.
“Although this incident is timely because of the Pokémon craze, the underlying message to the public is to always err on the side of caution when meeting any stranger alone for any reason – whether or not you have met them online or in person,” she added.
