Pokemon Go mobs being monitored by police after residents at Rhodes spooked by gamers

POLICE have warned Pokémon Go players they will take action after hundreds of game players swamped a Sydney suburb.

POLICE have warned Pokémon Go players they will take action if offences are committed at the game’s Pokestops after hundreds swamped the suburb of Rhodes last night.

A Burwood police spokesman confirmed they had been called after residents were concerned at the large number of players congregating around apartment buildings.

Three Pokestops intersected at Peg Paterson Park attracting a mob of fans.

Pokemon Go mob at Peg Paterson Park, Rhodes — Pic: wechat

Park areas with information signs along walking paths, seem to have some of the better concentration of the in-game landmarks.

Police issued a fine to a driver who was using his mobile phone to play the game while driving. The person was also fined for obstructing traffic.

The spokesman said police could intervene when an offence was committed such as standing in the middle of the road obstructing traffic, causing fear or harassing people.

They could not take action if groups of people were simply “milling about”.

The game, which hit Australia last Thursday, uses GPS and a camera to combine the digital realm with the real world.

Pokemon Go has fans chasing lures at Pokestops.

Based on the 1990s Pokemon phenomenon, the game is now the most downloaded app in Australia, making it more popular than Tinder or Snapchat.

It involves lures that can be bought and dropped by players at any “Pokestop” (or landmark) to benefit all nearby players.

Canada Bay Deputy Mayor Helen McCaffrey said in response to the influx in Rhodes, council was working closely with local police to monitor and deal with any issues that arose.

Ms McCaffrey said council’s first concern was for people’s safety.

The Pokemon Go game is sweeping the world.

“We want them to stay alert to their local surroundings, look where they are walking, check for traffic before crossing roads and be aware of pedestrian safety.”

“When playing Pokémon Go, we ask that people do this with consideration to where they are: in residential areas, keep noise levels to a minimum and bin any rubbish. Ms McCaffrey said.

Council has already put in place a number of measures to counter the problems that are occurring including extra rangers rostered to deal with parking issues and the environment team is undertaking extra waste collection.

“Our communications team is monitoring and responding on social media reminding gamers to play safely and be considerate to their surroundings.”

NSW Police have been running a social media campaign warning fans to consider their safety.

They are encouraging people to be aware of their surroundings.