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‘Pokémon GO’ Hunting: Parents, Police Have Issued This Warning

By Antonio J. Newell
Published on: 08:32 PST, Jul 14, 2016

Pokémon GO has taken the youth by storm. However, although it’s fun, parents should be aware that police have issued this warning.

Have you caught a Pokémon today? Via Pokémon GO, kids and parents are getting outside to “catch ’em all.”

However, in a response to kids’ safety concerns, police — Jacksonville SO, to be precise — have issued an advisory for the parents. Yet, the sheriff office’s advisory can apply across the board.

There are a few concerns regarding Pokémon GO and the nature of the game.

“Hey, Pokémon GO players,” states Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. “We have no problem with people running around town catching Pokémon.”

There are obviously plenty of Pokémon to go around, right? However, the police advisory continues.

“In an effort to prevent serious accidents or incidents from occurring, players need to keep safety their number one priority. Players need to remember that they’re still in the real world and need to take in their surroundings.”

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office mentions that Pokémon GO hunting has to maintain a certain level of situational awareness.

“Being unaware of what is happening around you can lead to physical injury or very dangerous situations,” says the police department.

For parents who don’t really know the mechanics of the game — as well as the public — police continue the advisory in this elaboration.

“In case you did not know, players can hunt Pokémon by going to different locations via a map on their phone. The map takes them to private homes, parks, private businesses, churches, cemeteries, etc. to catch the Pokémon and collect them for the game.”

This is true. Several people have welcomed kids during the Pokémon gaming experience. However, on the other hand, many have complained about kids and adults trespassing onto their properties.

This has happened, not only in private residential properties but also in private business areas, as well.

“Officers have already found many people Pokéhunting late at night in parks, apartment complexes, driving, etc.,” mentions the police department. “Players should be mindful of trespassing laws, city park hours, and to not go in areas late at night and/or alone.”

And while most game players are in it for the fun, there are people who might take advantage of such an innocent opportunity.

Via Jacksonville SO’s Facebook, one commentator — Romona Bratcher — mentioned that a man stopped in front of her yard several times within five minutes.

“We have had a guy in a white suv (a Ford explorer) in Oak Harbor. Yesterday, he drove slowly and even stopped several times in my front yard. He did this 6 times in 5 minutes. Our postal carrier even said she should report him. I made a post about it on Nextdoor.

“Others have seen him. He claimed that he was playing this game with his son. I saw no one in his vehicle with him yesterday.

“When other neighbors inquired about him stalking our neighborhood he said he was playing the game with his son. He became angry and flipped off the person asking. My daughter plays this game and she says that there are none to catch near our home. I don’t like being stalked in my own yard.”

“Always call police to report suspicious behavior,” the sheriff’s office responded to her post. That applies even if deemed suspicious for Pokémon GO standards.

Also, police are assuredly holding parents responsible for their children’s actions while they hunt via Pokémon GO.

” Keep safety your number one priority. We ask parents to be mindful and monitor your child’s online activities so it is a fun and safe experience for all.”

And while the police gave this safety advisory, it didn’t stop them from also catching a Pokémon, themselves, right there at the precinct.

In the photo, the police officers captured what seems to be a “Raticate.”

According to their comment section, Casey Carlson mentions that her daughter advised her on the particular Pokémon.

“Uh-oh, JSO, you be safe too! That’s a Raticate according to my daughter and their only skill is tackling and biting (or something like that)!”

“We got him,” the police department responded. “No worries [smile emoji].”

All in all, what are your thoughts regarding Pokémon GO and its hunting? Have you downloaded the app?

Feel free to share your comments in the section below.

[Photo by Mark Thiessen/Alan Diaz/AP Images]

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