Kansas City police issue safety tips for Pokémon Go
Pokémon safety tips. It’s a thing now.
As the trend has spread this week, so has the growing realization that an even bigger portion of the population than before is walking around with their eyes glued to their phones.
On Tuesday, the Kansas City Police Department joined the ranks of local and federal agencies issuing advisories on how to avoid danger while playing Pokémon Go, a smartphone game that has swept the globe since its release Wednesday by Google spinoff Niantic, working with the Pokémon Co.
Taking notice that the craze has arrived in Kansas City, the police department issued a set of “Pokémon No-Go’s” that included this tip:
“Don’t get so engrossed in the game that you lose awareness of what’s happening around you.”
Because it's a thing now, and we want you to be safe: pic.twitter.com/hrWeH0BwMj
— Kansas City Police (@kcpolice) July 12, 2016
Earlier Tuesday, Lenexa police demonstrated that they’ve downloaded the app too.
Gotta admit, this is kinda fun. Just do it safely and be mindful of private property and roadway safety. #PokemonGO pic.twitter.com/sbDLm64xTH
— Lenexa Police (@LenexaPolice) July 12, 2016
In some cases, players have been target for robbery.
The same day, National Safety Council warned that “no race to capture a cartoon monster is worth a life.”
In a press release, the Safety Council urged pedestrians to exercise caution while playing the game, and implored drivers to not play while behind the wheel.
“Distraction is a well-documented threat to safety, both on foot and on our roads. Distracted walking has contributed to more than 11,000 injuries in the last decade. . . Reports of close calls associated with playing Pokémon Go already are rolling in.”
Ian Cummings: 816-234-4633, @Ian__Cummings
This story was originally published July 12, 2016 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Kansas City police issue safety tips for Pokémon Go."