Pokemon Go player assaulted by youths in early-evening attack at Ringwood Lake
A 60-YEAR-OLD man out chasing Pokemon had to jump into a lake at Ringwood to escape a gang of youths after they attacked him and stole his mobile phone and wallet.
Outer East
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A 60-YEAR-OLD Pokemon hunter had to abandon his game and leap into Ringwood Lake after he was allegedly set upon by a group of youths on Sunday night.
The incident occurred just days after Ringwood Police said they would be stepping up patrols at the lake following a rise in anti-social behaviour.
Maroondah detective Senior Constable Fiona Edmonds said the Ringwood East man was playing Pokemon Go by the lake when the incident occurred about 6.30pm.
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The smartphone game became a cult hit two years ago and had hundreds of millions of downloads. It still has about five million daily players worldwide.
Det Sen-Constable Edmonds said the man was approached by the group, who were believed to be in their early 20s.
One man demanded he hand over his personal belongings, then he was set upon by the group. They punched and kicked the victim, before he handed over his wallet and mobile phone.
He jumped into the lake and swam to shore to get away from the group.
The man suffered cuts and bruises and was taken to hospital.
The attack follows an announcement last week by police that they would be stepping up security at the lake.
Sergeant Shane Johnson said “unsociable types” had been drinking and left needles in bushes, prompting police to introduce afternoon and evening patrols heading into the warmer months.
Any witnesses of Sunday night’s incident are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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