Based on the old Pokemon characters the new "augmented reality" cell phone game that launched on July 1 has already swept through much of our town, with players scurrying about, with heads keeping an eye on their phone to follow where they can find the necessary characters and computer-generated rewards.
See one explanation of the game HERE.
In Maplewood, the Memorial Park duck pond has become a meeting stop for many, as has the rain garden at the Hilton Library.
We spoke to some Pokemon Goers at those spots.
See below:
But the game has also had its share of accidents and dangers in some cities with people not watching where they were going and getting hit or falling.
We asked Maplewood Police about the potential pitfalls and they issued this statement:
As of this time we have not had any incidents as a result of the
Pokeman Go Application. I do not have first hand knowledge of
the game, but understand that it could possibly be used to lure
individuals playing it to a specific location.
In a robbery in St Louis, the suspects supposedly added a
beacon near a Poke-stop in their location, which lured more
players nearby and provided the opportunity for them to be
robbed. The players attempt to find and catch Pokemon in their
area or the surrounding areas and became unsuspecting
victims.
As with other applications and websites such as Craig’s list,
Wallapop, ect, this application or game has the potential to be
and has been exploited by criminals.
Individuals using it need to exercise common sense and good street
smarts in order to avoid becoming victims of those wishing to
pray upon them.
Only go to public locations where there are many people around,
during daytime hours and areas that you are familiar with.
If possible go with someone. Avoid walking with your smart
phone visible to others as this also makes you a potential target.
Smart phones are a hot commodity and letting others know that
you have one increase the probability of you becoming the target
of a theft or robbery.
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