Pokemon Go hits the streets

The free Pokemon Go app is exploding in popularity. Using your smart phone’s clock and GPS, it encourages players to explore real world situations in search of Pokemon.

Police say players need to watch their step.

Police agencies on the Monterey Peninsula said there haven’t been any incidents related to the app just yet but still urge caution when using it.

“Be aware of what your children are doing and for those children that are out there, be aware that this is just more than a game. It’s a GPS and so it gives your location and somebody can lure you into an area that is dark, that’s uninhabited, very remote,” said Commander Bob Nolan.

It wasn’t hard to find Pokemon Go players in Monterey Monday.

“Literally been wanting something like this since I was five years old. Just like Pokmon has been something that’s like it sounds silly but it’s been really important to me ever since I was a little kid. So it’s exciting to be able to fantasize about catching them in the real world,” said Lyle Lynde of Santa Cruz.

The new app features the classic game where players are on a scavenger hunt to catch and train Pokemon

“Sixty-four Pokmon caught, but that’s after I’ve transferred to the professor to get Pokmon candy,” said Pokemon Go player, Christopher Ngo. Ngo was searching for Pokemon just before his work shift at Poke Lab in Monterey. Not only did he find Pokemon but he also found more players doing the same thing. It’s an app that can easily distract players from watching their surroundings.

That’s why the app reminds its players to be alert at all times, but in some cases, the Pokmon hunters are the ones being hunted. Police in Missouri arrested three men for luring players and robbing them at gunpoint. Gamers on the Central Coast said the violence won’t keep them from trying to catch them all.

“I think it’s going to start a new generation of gaming,” said Lynde.

Later this month, fans can expect a Pokemon Go Plus wearable device to help players play the game without taking their phones out.