Parliament Street has appeared in today’s Evening Standard newspaper, commenting on the sharp rise in crimes associated with Pokemon Go application. The research was conducted by the think tank’s director of technology, Steven George-Hilley.
Figures obtained by Parliament Street revealed that 11 crimes connected to the popular game in a period of just over three weeks. They include several cases in which Pokémon players had their phones snatched by a moped rider.
The offences are on top of a more recent incident in which three robbers, one carrying a silver handgun, forced three teenagers playing Pokémon Go in Whittington Park in Islington to hand over their smartphones.
Steven George-Hilley, director of technology at the Parliament Street think tank, which obtained the figures, said: “Unfortunately, location-based augmented reality gaming often means users ignore personal security risks. These figures should serve as a wake-up call for consumers to remain vigilant when enjoying mobile games.”
