Trespassing in the name of Pokmon
We’re talking PokmonGo again, but this time, we need to talk about trespassing. People have been on railroad tracks or have found themselves in situations they didn’t need to be in.
I called both Idaho Falls Police and Bonneville County Sheriff’s Offices. They said they don’t have any reports of PokmonGo trespassing since the game has been out, but this is a privacy and safety concern across the nation.
Some locations of Pokmon, gyms, and PokStops are making people concerned. Railroads and factories have gone as far as to put up warnings tell players to stay away for their own safety.
“We’re just asking the public to really be common sense wise, and stay off private property if you’re not supposed to be there for the sake of playing a game. And really pay attention to your surrounding environments. Have fun. Be safe,” said Lt. Chris Weadick with the Idaho State Police.
In the game, the Idaho Falls Zoo is a popular gym that is being defended by its Team Red zookeepers.
“They would love to have you come in and challenge them. However we do ask that you come in and you pay admission. Enjoy hunting Pokmon throughout the zoo as you go, visit those couple of PokStops that we have inside of the zoo but just please do so while we have the zoo open to the public,” said Idaho Falls Zoo education curator Sunny Katseanes
Earlier today, I walked around the Greenbelt and asked fellow PokmonGo lovers what they thought about going the extra mile for the game.
“I think it is kind of ridiculous that people would trespass because of a game. I could see them trespassing because they don’t think about it. The game gives you a map that lets you go wherever the heck you want to go. And they don’t think about these things — I wouldn’t if I was mindlessly following my phone screen,” said PokmonGo player Chad Ryan.
“Yup I would, for a Charizard, I would do anything,” said Josh, a PokmonGo player. Another player, Megan, chimed in, “Yeah, I mean, that’s a little reasonable but it’s a little unreasonable, too, I guess. I mean, unsafe situations are not really a good idea, like trespassing into somebody’s home area. That’s not good.”
Stay in areas you are familiar with and do not trespass on private party. It’s that simple! As exciting as the game is, it has people forgetting common sense and the law. It’s not necessary to go in the building or inside the private property borders to play the game. You can be in a public area and still be able to capture, battle, or spin in the name of Pokmon.
