Police safety warning over Pokémon Go

Reporter: Lucy Kenderdine
Date published: 18 July 2016


GREATER Manchester have issued a warning to parents and teachers about the dangers to children using the Pokémon Go mobile app.

The game, which was released in the UK last week, is an augmented reality game which encourages users to find and collect Pokémon by walking around outside, with the app using location data and the phone's camera to blend virtual reality with real life.

As players move around their smartphone will vibrate whenever they are near a Pokémon and they will be able to catch it on their screen.

However police are urging parents and teachers to speak to young people about staying safe when using the app.

The app allows people to set up a "beacon" which can then encourage other users to reach a specific venue and police are concerned it could be the latest way online criminals attempt to target victims.

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson, from GMP's public protection division, said: "We know that criminals move quickly to exploit the latest developments to target victims and Pokémon Go will already be in their sights.

"There have already been incidents in America where young people are thought to have been targeted through the app.

"I would urge parents to speak to their children about the app and the best ways to make sure they stay safe. Talking to your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe.

"Online child sexual abuse and grooming is a rapidly growing problem and as part of Project Phoenix we continue to work with other partner agencies to raise awareness of the issues and provide advice and guidance on internet safety, how to spot the signs and how to report offences."

She added that parents should speak to their children about the sites they visit online, who they talk to and most importantly what to do if they see inappropriate content or are approached by someone that worries them.

"Advise your child to tell someone they trust and stress they won't be in trouble," she said.

"Explain to your child that friends are people that they know in 'real life' not someone they only know online.

"Parents, make sure you know what your child is doing online and encourage them to talk about any people that approach them online. Everyone needs to keep security settings high and make sure the friends you are talking to online are really your friends."

GMP are also warning people to be cautious when alerting strangers to where you will be in the future, pay attention to surroundings and where possible, play with friends and stay in a group.

Keep your device safe and out of sight and do not play the game while driving.

The NSPCC has also criticised the launch of Pokémon Go in the UK, stating that the app doesn't do enough to keep children safe online.

For more information on child sexual exploitation and who to contact if you have any concerns that a young person you know may be a victim of child sexual exploitation visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk.

Or report it to GMP by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.