Police in Greater Manchester have been put on alert over a ‘potential new crime trend’ following the release of Pokemon Go in the UK.Already three students in Hulme had their mobile phones snatched as they played the game in Hulme . A boy of 15 was later arrested.
The popular game has swept the globe and involves players using GPS technology on their smartphones to track down virtual Pokemon characters.
An internal email sent to officers in GMP - seen by the M.E.N. - warns officers that new app ‘has the potential for a new crime trend’.
It explains how players are ‘wandering into areas they are not normally familiar with, in a distracted state, holding their phones out in front of them!’
It adds: “Prime targets for our ‘customers’.
It points out that Pokemon Go players abroad have been lured into a trap by fellow players, who were able to use the game’s geolocation feature to anticipate their location before robbing them.
At an advanced level of the game, the app allows users to set up a ‘beacon’ which can encourage other players to head to a specific venue to join teams and do battle with opponents.
The email adds: “Officers are asked to remind players to be vigilant of their surroundings.”
Officers attending reports of phone snatch incidents are asked to record whether Pokemon Go featured in the crime.
Police are also concerned that the game could be use to groom vulnerable children.
Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson said: “We know that criminals move quickly to exploit the latest developments to target victims and Pokemon 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 stay safe, spot the signs and how to report offences. Young people, parents, teachers and others need to know what to look for so they can raise concerns.
“I ask parents to 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. Explain to your child that friends are people that they know in ‘real life’ not someone they don’t 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.”
VIA - http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/
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