Pokemon Go: Officers warn players to stay clear of Twickenham police station

On guard: Police in Richmond have warned players to be aware of their surroundings when playing the game
Richmond Police
Jamie Bullen14 July 2016

Pokemon GO players have been told to keep away from a London police station as the game starts to spread across the capital.

Police in Richmond said its Twickenham station is not a ‘Poke stop’ where gamers can try to catch and train their Pokemon creatures.

The message came just hours after the gaming app was officially released in the UK after sweeping the US, New Zealand and Australia.

Players were also warned to “always be aware of surroundings” amid fears distracted gamers could wander into the road or even the Thames.

In a series of light-hearted instructions, police warned the game was capable of draining mobile phone battery and drivers risk three points and a £100 fine if they are caught playing at the wheel.

Richmond Police tweeted: “We can confirm that Twickenham police station is NOT a Poke stop. If you’re playing Pokemon GO make sure you play safely.

Another tweet read: “Playing #PokemonGO? Make sure you're aware of your surroundings and stay safe so you can #CatchEmAll.”

But police added the warning was not meant to dissuade anyone from attending the station.

A police spokesman told the Standard: "We don't want to discourage anyone in visiting Twickenham station, we can confirm we have not yet sighted a Pikachu hiding away in our old cells."

Despite its recent release, bookmaker Paddy Power has already begun taking bets on the first UK city to ban the game with London a 40-1 outsider.

The app has already proved popular in the capital with Pokemon characters popping up at several London landmarks.

Creatures have been pictured at Buckingham Palace, London Zoo, Downing Street, the London Eye, and the Southbank.

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