Pokemon Go gamers told, ‘Don’t let guard down’

“It is very unfortunate honestly, the craze gets to people’s heads,” says Darrien Jones, Brand Manager of Carigamers, the official gamers association of Trinidad and Tobago.

“To do these things you have to exercise caution in areas with a lot of people. We hold big events (in places like) MovieTowne for people to come to and have a safe environment.” The organisation shares with their followers the importance of taking precaution no matter what game they are playing. “We tell them to go out in groups of four or five with girls and guys,” said Jones.

“With the game showing no signs of slowing down on its popularity, players from all over the world use it as a way to not only get more Pokemon but actually use it to meet people.

“Gone are the days of making friends, going out to the mall, playing in the park or going for a ride without staying glued to your phone.

(Pokemon Go) is a very socializing game. I met a lot of people myself... but if you are in an isolated area you can be a target for these things to happen.” Regardless of whether the way of socializing has changed, making sure that you are aware of the potential situations that can occur from going into certain harmful environments is very important to the safety of people in all cities.

“Trinidad hasn’t changed crime wise, but these things can happen whether or not you’re playing but with the game there are more chances to be a target,” Jones told Sunday Newsday.

When asked if he felt that users are trying to take to live a virtual experience within this physical world, Jones stated, “The game gave people the want to explore, but (users) tend to come out of comfort zone but aren’t experienced enough to protect themselves against (these incidents.) The world of Pokemon and reality are two different, apparently they are coexisting but there is a level of awareness that needs to be developed in order for gamers to remain safe in today’s real world.” A hunt for Pokemon led a group of three omen to St Augustine where they were ambushed by bandits, who robbed them then forced one to drive to Maloney where she was raped in an abandoned house last Thursday.

The woman was let go by the men and a report was made to the Maloney police.

The police Cyber Crime Unit helped investigators trace the women’s stolen phones to Chase Village, Chaguanas where the victim’s car a was found abandoned.

Police later intercepted a vehicle and detained two men after the women’s stolen items were found.

Arrests are imminent for two other suspects.