Over the last week, the City of Edmonton and police have received a number of reports relating to the latest Pokémon Go craze which has taken the city by storm.
“It is nice to see that citizens are getting outside, interacting with their communities and most importantly, having fun – but personal safety should still remain front of mind,” says Const. Hunter Robinz with Northwest Division.
Officers are noticing that drivers are not the only ones who appear distracted. Trainers have been seen walking into traffic and other people, as they search for the next “gym” or “pokéstop”.”
The excitement surrounding the game has even prompted a number of citizen complaints, as Pokémon trainers trek through neighborhoods and community parks at all hours. All parks – community and River Valley – are open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and closed to the public outside these hours.
“We’ve received a number of complaints from various communities that are unknowingly saturated in ‘pokéstops,’” says Const. Robinz. “We want to remind citizens that they need to be respectful of the noise in neighbourhoods and public spaces, specifically during the evening hours.”
“We absolutely want Edmontonians to explore the City and our amazing parkland.” says Sergeant Kevin Tomalty with the Community Standards Peace Officer Section. “The keys to ensuring these spaces can be enjoyed by all – Pokémon trainers and non-players alike – are safety, respect for the community and compliance with City of Edmonton bylaws.”
“The message is simple – have fun but stay safe,” says Const. Robinz. “Remember, you can’t catch ‘em all if we catch you breaking the law.”
Safety tips for Pokémon trainers
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Do not play while operating a vehicle, bike or any other means of transportation
- Don’t travel into isolated areas alone
- Keep off private properties and be respectful when entering businesses
- Wear reflective clothing when playing at night
- Be mindful of noise levels in neighbourhoods and other public spaces