Police in Trafford warn Pokémon hunters to be careful in their virtual and real world

Police in the South Trafford division are warning mobile phone users to take care when hunting Pokémon so they are not in danger of having their devices stolen.

They say they have had to warned six separate groups who were seen holding out their phones while trying to ensnare one of the characters,  which only exist in the  virtual world but which can be made to appear at a real life location via the app.  News of the sightings spread via social media and groups converge on an location and try to trap the character through their phone lens.

However officers worry that the desire to play the game is making them less aware of their safety.

They have taken to Facebook to warn them: “Officers have observed a high number of young people walking around the division waving the smart phones around.  Six separate groups were spoken by Officers who have confirmed that they were Pokemon hunting.

“We would like to remind everyone of the potential risks when playing this game. Try not to get too carried away in this virtual reality world and always be aware of busy roads and your surroundings…… you may catch a Pikachu but don’t allow yourself to be caught off guard by opportunist thieves!!”

PokémonGO is one of the worldwide hits of the summer and is seen by many as a positive way to get gamers to leave their consoles at homes and get out and about. According to the company the idea is that gamers “travel between the real world and the virtual world of Pokémon ………you’ll discover Pokémon in a whole new world—your own!”

But there have been global reports of groups getting carried away and turning up at people’s houses trepassing in the meantime.  Such has been the irritation felt by residents they have taken to putting up posters warning groups off.

Earlier this week The Royal Stoke University Hospital warned players to stay away from their A and E department because it had been designated a “Gym” for Pokémon characters and hunters had gathered there.

*Let us know what you think of this latest craze.  Have you had groups or individuals turning up in your garden? Or are you a gamer who just relishes getting outdoors, while still playing a game?  Comments below please.