Richfield Police Urge Caution When Playing Pokémon GO

Richfield, MN – Richfield police are warning players of Pokémon GO, an augmented reality mobile app game based on Nintendo's popular Pokémon franchise, to stay safe and alert.

Police want residents to be extra cautious "as hysteria over the popular mobile game swells."

The game uses your phone's location settings to create a semi-virtual world where the user is surrounded by Pokémon.

"If you feel the need to run around playing Pokémon Go this summer, that’s cool. Just PLEASE BE SMART about it," read a post on the City of Richfield Facebook page.

"The game requires players to move and pay attention to the touchscreen as they seek out Pokémon. RPD urges players to stay aware of their surroundings and be careful! Along with pedestrians distracted by their quest to find that rare Pokémon, we’re also warning against distracted driving. Yes – people are silly enough to play this app while they’re driving so it won’t take long before this fun game results in tragic real-world consequences."

"We can also avoid an increase in trespassing and suspicious activity calls, if players are respectful and cognizant about trespassing on private property (and curfew violations). Visit Pokéstops at appropriate times."

Police also informed residents that "unless you modify settings, Pokémon GO is given full access to your Google account."

Photo Credit: Youtube