Westborough Police Urge Safe, Fun Use of Pokémon Go App

WESTBOROUGH, MA—Pokémon GO, an augmented reality mobile app game based on Nintendo's popular Pokémon franchise, has already taken the world by storm.

The game uses your phone's location settings to create a semi-virtual world where the user is surrounded by Pokémon. In the game, you could be walking down Broadway, and boom! A wild Pidgey appears.

The desire to "catch 'em all" has sent "trainers" to some pretty interesting places.

In light of this viral trend, police departments across the world are urging "trainers" to be careful while playing the game, particularly urging people to look both ways when crossing a street.

Arlington Police urged residents to stay safe while using Pokémon GO, saying, "The Westborough Police Department has a list of safety reminders for Pokemon Go users. Safety tips while you catch ’em all."

1. Watch out for your surrounding: Look up and be aware of who is around you besides Pokemon

2. Parents limit places kids can go: Set boundaries to avoid stranger danger for kids unattended

3. Don’t Pokemon Go and drive: Catching Pikachu isn’t worth crashing

4. Tell people where you’re going if it is somewhere you’ve never been

5. Don’t trespass: People might call the police if you enter private property and your Pokemon can’t help you

6. If you are stopped by police: Show them you are playing a game