Pokemon Go: Gym at NH Police Station Prompts Safety Warning

Pokemon Go, a smartphone-based augmented reality game, has quickly become the most popular video game on the planet, reportedly exceeding 8 million downloads and counting since its release last week.

Coupled with the frenzy are concerns about safety. The game is essentially a real-world scavenger hunt, with "Pokestops" and "gyms" at landmarks like libraries, parks, and police stations.

Robberies have been reported and a teenager stumbled across a dead body in Wyoming while playing the game.

In Pelham, a Pokemon gym is located at the police station.

"Please keep in mind you do not actually have to come into the station to participate in your battles," Pelham police said in a statement.

Police also issued these safety tips:

1. If you are determined to play during the night time hours please wear bright colored clothing when walking down the street. Many of our roads are not well lit making pedestrian traffic difficult to see. Also keep in mind that many of our parks close at dusk making these off limits for overnight gaming.
2. Please do not trespass onto private property. If you are unsure if you are supposed to be somewhere then we recommend avoiding it. There are plenty of other Pokemon throughout town.
3. Keep New Hampshire's "Hands Free" law in mind. You cannot play the game if you are operating a vehicle.
4. Please pay attention when hunting for Pokemon especially when crossing the street. In the short time the game has been out there have been numerous reports from across the country of people getting hurt because they were not paying attention to their surroundings and were distracted by their phone.

When your wife is about to have a baby and a Pokemon shows up and you have to low-key catch it...

Top photo: Eduardo Woo via Flickr