Singapore police make first Pokemon Go-related arrest
Photo: AFP
Tuesday, Aug 16, 2016
SINGAPORE - The police have arrested two men over a dispute involving the popular Pokemon Go game, which was launched in Singapore on August 6.
The police said in a press statement today (Aug 16) that the men are aged 28 and 33. This is the first arrest made by the police related to the game.
The police said they received a call on Sunday (Aug 14) regarding a dispute between a car driver and a pedestrian at the carpark entrance of Plaza Singapura.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the pedestrian was playing the game on his mobile phone while crossing the road.
When the car driver sounded his car horn at the pedestrian, the two got into a scuffle and apparently blows were exchanged, said the police.
Both were arrested at the scene.
The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to one year or a fine of $5,000, or both.
The police added that they have noted several reports on social media of people crossing roads without regard for their safety or those of motorists, parking inconsiderately, or generally causing inconvenience to others while allegedly chasing Pokemons.
"In your search to "catch 'em all", please do not endanger your life or personal safety, or cause inconvenience to those around you," said the police statement.
on SPH Brightcove
Here's some advice from the police to Pokemon Go players:
- Be aware of your personal safety when looking for Pokemon. You should play in pairs or as a group to ensure your personal safety.
- Watch where you are walking, be aware of your surroundings and do not walk onto roads without looking.
- Do not play the game and drive any vehicle or ride any personal mobility device at the same time.
- Do not trespass onto restricted areas and private properties and do not take pictures of restricted areas.
- Be aware that you are potentially sharing data with others and there could be potential criminals who may seek the opportunity to lure victims to their fake "Pokestops".
- Educate your children to stranger-danger at "Pokestops".
- Never reveal your personal information and watch out for fake apps or cheat tools. Cyber criminals can access your personal data to commit fraud or hack into your phone with viruses and malware.
See also: Top 5 excuses employees can give to play Pokemon Go at work, and get away with it
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