Montreal police urge Pokmon Go players to catch safely
Cops caution players to stay on the sidewalk and stick with friends
Montreal police joined the chorus of law-enforcement officialsaround the country urging Pokmon Go players to keep it safe when trying to catch them all.
The massively popular mobile game encourages players to hunt for critters around their city with their phones.
Police said no "major incidents" like collisions have happened in Montreal because of the game, but they're paying attention to the phenomenon.
"As soon as your attention goes to it, you have tunnel vision and you aren't aware of your surroundings. So it becomes a major concern for us," said Insp.AndrDurocher.
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"If you want to do it, don't play on the street. Stay on the sidewalk and stay with your friends."
The game can cause large crowds to form spontaneously when a rare Pokmonappears in a part of the city. They can also form in areas thatboastlots of Pokestops places where players can fill up on gear.
This appeared to happen on Monday nightnear Atwater Metro station.
According to posts on social media, police latershowed up to keep the crowds on the sidewalk.
At least four other Canadian police forcesToronto,Sudbury, Calgary and Reginahave come out with similar messages.
Other government agencies in Canada, like Correctional Services, warned players about trespassing on their property.
Our Institutions are private property - playing #PokmonGo there is trespassing. pic.twitter.com/ijSncfZzES
—@CSC_SCC_en
Playing #PokemonGo? #OPP reminds all players that trying to catch #Pokemon is not a valid reason for trespassing. pic.twitter.com/0prbzbw4SX
—@OPP_News
With files from Sarah Leavitt