It's official, Pokémon Go has taken the world by storm. From Japan, all the way to right here in Ocean County, millions of players are trying to "catch 'em all". But one Ocean County community is urging players to play smart and stay safe.

Today, the Barnegat Police Department issued a press release with a number of common sense guidelines that seem to be commonly overlooked by some overenthusiastic players.

 

Don't Trespass
The BPD reminds players to, "respect the rights of Private Property Owners and do not trespass on private property when trying to “catch” a Pokémon as you could face criminal charges". I can guarantee that a hefty fine would ruin your fun pretty quickly.

 

Don't Drive And Play
Think that texting and driving is as bad as it gets? Well, some players have been driving cars, riding bicycles, and I even had a player zip past me on a skateboard earlier today. It's kind of scary that we have to actually tell people this, but BPD reminds players, "do not use the application when you are operating a motor vehicle or bicycle".

 

Watch Where You're Going
"Be aware of your surroundings when walking and do not stare down at your phone not knowing hazards around you, like roadways, drop-offs, waterways, etc." It may seem like a no-brainer, but there have already been reports of injuries caused by people not paying attention to their surroundings while playing.

 

Not Everyone Is Out To Have Fun
Sadly, there have been a number of cases of bad apples ruining the fun. A "lure module" in the game might not only lure the digital critters, but it could also be luring players right into a mugging. The Barnegat Police suggest that players always, "travel in groups in public areas and well lit locations at night".

 

The game is supposed to be fun. And it can be. But that fun can be ruined if we don't all keep some common sense ideas in mind while trying to evolve that Eevee or hot on the trail of a rare Rapidash.

Oh yeah, there's one final reminder from the Barnegat Police - the Township's curfew for people under 18 is 11:00pm. So keep the late night hunting to a minimum, kids!

 

 

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