A free virtual gaming smartphone app, Pokeman Go, is taking the nation by storm but has led to some safety concerns for its players. Police across the country are issuing warnings to players to remain aware of their surroundings, to avoid trespassing (entering private property without permission), and not to use the application while driving.

Law enforcement agencies are advising players not to get so engrossed in the game that they lose track of their surroundings – pay attention when crossing the street and use caution when giving your location to strangers (there have been instances of robbers luring players to remote locations in order to victimize them). Don’t go to unknown areas, use the game during the day in well-lit areas and enjoy with friends instead of alone. Look up from your phone periodically and be aware that your activities may seem suspicious to the police or other citizens.

Alert sent on 07/14/2016 at 2:45PM EDT

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Alert delivered to the following groups: City of Poughkeepsie PD, Business Alerts, Press Releases, South Avenue Neighborhood Association, Taylor Avenue Block Association, Trinity Neighborhood Association, and Bixby Housing Assocation

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