Robbers Targeting Pokémon Go Players

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued a warning on Thursday alerting Pokemon Go players that robbers are now using the app to target victims.

This warning came after an armed robbery occurred on O’Fallon Missouri at 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning. The police were dispatched to the intersection of Highway K and Feise Road and located four suspects. The suspects were in a black BMW when the officers made contact.

The suspects were found to be in possession of a handgun and suspected to be involved in other robberies in surrounding Missouri counties. “It is believed these suspects targeted their victims through the Pokemon Go smartphone application,” officials said.

Officers from the O’Fallon Missouri station warn Pokemon Go player to never alert strangers to your future locations. The robbers were believed to use the app to locate their victims. An O’Keefe Police Department representatives said the suspects allegedly used the app to add a beacon, used to lure more players on the Pokeshop.

The suspects were then believed to have used that to locate victims standing around in a parking lot or other various locations.

 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released some simple tips to keep safe if using the Pokemon Go app.

1.) Remind your kids about ‘stranger danger’ and set limits on where they can go to.

2.) Don’t go alone to remote, isolated areas. Go with a friend or group.

3.) DON’T play when you’re driving and no ‪distracted walking. Some players get so involved in being glued to their smartphone when they’re walking, they’re oblivious to traffic.

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