Pokémon mania prompts Vancouver Police Department to issue safety warning

As if it wasn't already difficult enough to walk down a Vancouver sidewalk without being blocked by the usual pedestrian zombies, Pokémon Go zombies are now adding to the congestion.

The geocaching game, played on smartphones, encourages players to wander around their cities in search of virtual Pokémon characters in various locations.

Although the game isn't technically available yet in Canada, users have found workarounds to download and play it.

The Vancouver Police Department issued a playfully worded reminder, aimed primarily at children. It stated that "large groups of people seen gathering in parks and on city streets and other public areas, at all hours of the day and night".

The VPD reminded players, who are often "in a zombie-like state", to be aware of their surroundings, to inform a parent or guardian where they will be going, to not play while doing other activities such a riding a bicycle or driving, and to avoid private property. 

In other cities, there have been reports of incidents ranging from injuries to armed robberies.

For example, two players in northern California were reported today (July 13) robbed and carjacked at gunpoint.

Meanwhile, a player in central Wyoming went in search of a water Pokémon and instead discovered a dead body floating in a river on July 11.

While there haven't been any major incidents reported in Vancouver, a Venonat character from the game was discovered to be located inside the VPD's Cambie Street headquarters.