Pokémon Go Triggers UK Crimewave

Following the launch of Pokémon Go in the UK in July, police recorded nearly 300 incidents related to the game, the BBC has discovered following a Freedom of Information (FoI) request. 290 incidents across the country were dealt with by police, including robberies, assaults, and driving offence, with the Lancashire Constabulary logging the most incidents in the country at 39.

“People should avoid potentially dangerous locations that could make you vulnerable to injury or become a victim of crime,” a spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said. “Never enter any body of water. Pokémon do not appear beyond the safety of the shoreline. And don’t enter derelict structures, unlit footpaths or alleyways.”

Notable Pokémon-related incidents recorded by UK police include:

• 30-person brawl in Surrey;
• Man in North Wales luring children to his home;
• Woman stopping car in the middle of a road to catch Pokémon;
• Lures used by muggers in Manchester;
• Children trespassing on train lines;
• Sexual favours in exchange for Pokémon offered in West Midlands;
• Woman concerned that Pokémon were trying to “get into her home”

“It was out in America first and there seemed to have been a few problems there. Nationally and internationally I’m well aware of quite a few circumstances that have come up,” Sgt Neil Dewson-Smyth of Cheshire Police told the BBC. “But for me the key message is do not play it while driving. It’s a fun game, but play safe and don’t put lives at risk.”

“We encourage all people to be aware of their surroundings and to play alongside friends or family, especially when you’re exploring unfamiliar places,” a Niantic spokesperson advised. “Please remember to be safe and alert at all times, don’t drive and play, abide by local laws and respect the locations you visit.”