Pokémon GO Player’s Purse Caught By Thief, Cops Say

SARASOTA, FL – A Pokémon GO player out to catch ‘em all found herself the victim of a crime Monday night.

According to Sarasota Police, the woman was playing the mobile game in the parking lot at 2 Marina Jack around 9:45 p.m. when she was approached from behind. The woman told police a man came up, snatched the purse strapped across her shoulder and knocked her to the ground.

The woman was uninjured in the attack, but the thief, police wrote in an email to media, did manage to get away. When the woman looked up, she saw him running northbound on U.S. 41 with her purse in hand, the email said.

K9s were called in to track the man, but police could not find him, the email said. They did find the woman’s purse with everything still inside, except her wallet.

For those not in the know, Pokémon GO works by having players move through the real world. As they do, their smartphones vibrate to let them know when a Pokémon is near.

Players then throw a PokéBall to catch it and add it to their PokéDex. The game uses a smartphone’s GPS and camera to turn the real world into a gigantic scavenger hunt. As players collect fictional creatures, they can use the Pokémon in their collections to battle other players.

While the game encourages players to get out of their homes and move through their communities, it has also been associated with a number of crimes across the country. Players have been robbed, as was the case in Sarasota, and one even found a dead body while out exploring. Players have also run afoul of the law on more than a few occasions. In Michigan, police caught a wanted criminal who was out playing the game.

Reports have also come in from across the country about people playing the game while behind the wheel and trespassing in places they just shouldn’t be in order to catch a Pokémon.

Considering the potential dangers players may face, Sarasota police offer these tips for Pokémon GO players:

• Be aware of the surroundings
• Play in groups or pairs to ensure safety
• Do not trespass onto private property
• Do not drive, ride a bike or skateboard while playing
• If players see something suspicious, they should say something to law enforcement

Anyone with information about the attack in Sarasota is asked to call the police department at 941-954-7070. Anonymous tips may also be left with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or by going online to www.sarsotacrimestoppers.com.

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