Edmonton police had a safety reminder for those participating in an augmented reality game that has exploded in popularity in recent weeks, Pokémon Go.
Police said in the last week, the Edmonton Police Service said City of Edmonton officials and police have received a number of reports surrounding the use of Pokémon Go.
On Thursday, EPS reminded players to keep their eyes out for traffic, to stay off of private property, while addressing another issue of massive crowds gathering at the various ‘gyms’ and ‘poke-stops’ throughout Edmonton.
One area that has seen a spike in foot traffic because of the game is a park in Griesbach, it’s turned into a hotspot for the game, at some points, hundreds of players have gathered to play – some staying into the early morning hours, and some living in the area are not happy.
“A woman up the street got angry around 9:30 p.m. and she decided she was going to hose down a few of the players that were playing Pokémon Go in front of her house,” Chris Milmine, a Pokémon Go player, said.
Some residents in the area have taken to posting homemade signs asking players to not park in front of their homes, another resident raised the issue of respect, as the masses are being drawn to Major William Griesbach’s Statue and the PPCLI Commemorative Park.
“It’s a cenotaph to commemorate fallen soldiers,” Amanda Huff said. “They’re leaving cigarette butts all over the plaques to commemorate their names and leaving their Slurpee and coffee cups everywhere, it’s a disgrace.”
“Upwards of 200 people in a large public area, and this is all hours of the day or night,” EPS Cst. Hunter Robinz said. “This is becoming a concern with neighbourhoods in Edmonton.”
Police were also reminding Edmontonians on the hunt for Pokémon that city parks were not open to the public all hours.
“All parks are closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and that’s something to be cognizant of,” Sgt. Kevin Tomalty said.
With files from David Ewasuk
