Posted: Mon 18th Jul 2016

North Wales Police Issue ‘Pokémon Go’ Warning

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Monday, Jul 18th, 2016

A warning is being issued to youngsters to be aware of their surroundings whilst playing Pokémon Go – the latest online game taking the world by storm.

North Wales Police have issued the warning following a report that two youths were seen on their phones playing Pokémon Go on the A55 near Holyhead earlier today.

The aim of the game, which has taken both youths and adults by storm, is to walk around your neighbourhood trying to find Pokémon characters by using a smartphone camera. The app then overlays images over the ‘real world’ on screen.

People can then ‘catch them all’ and add the Pokémon character and add them to their collection.

Following today’s incident near the A55, officers are issuing the following advice to gamers:

– Don’t make yourself vulnerable. Don’t be tempted to take your phone out in busy or unlit areas where you could be a target for thieves

– Concentrate on dangers around you and be careful when crossing the road – don’t just focus on your device

– Never play the game while driving

– Don’t trespass on private property

Superintendent Jane Banham, Head of Community Safety at North Wales Police said: “With schools closing for the summer holidays there will be many children taking to the streets to play the game.

“However, we are asking players to exercise common sense whilst playing to make sure they are aware of their surroundings.

“Children should make sure they tell their parents where they are going when playing and parents should speak to their children about the associated risks.”

Since the game was released there have been a series of warnings / incidents reported – including a teenager discovering a dead body,  people’s homes being turned into Pokémon Gyms and most bizarrely, a man finding a Pokémon on his wife’s hospital bed while she’s giving birth!

Further advice on staying safe online whilst playing the game is available via here.



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