Large Groups of Pokémon Trainers Appear Across Hong Kong
Groups of Pokémon trainers have been spotted trying to catch 'em all across the territory. Authorities say while these gatherings are not illegal, gamers should be careful about entering private territory, or risk trespassing.
Large crowds of Pokémon GO trainers have reportedly been gathering at various public locations across Hong Kong.
Police Director of Operations Alan Lau says while authorities will play closer attention to the locations they have identified to be particularly popular among gamers, gatherings in parks and malls are unlikely to become a cause for concern. He stressed that gamers should not enter private territory, and make sure their activities do not affect public institutions such as fire stations, police stations and hospitals.
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According to Apple Daily, a group of gamers climbed over a fence into Hoi Sham Park in To Kwa Wan after it closed at 11.30pm on Tuesday. The park is said to be home to Pokémon such as Eevee, Gyarados and Lapras, as well as a “gym” where trainers can battle it out.
If you're worried about getting into trouble with the authorities, rest assured: Barrister Albert Luk Wai-hung says as long as gamers abide by the law while catching virtual pocket monsters, it’s not illegal for large groups of gamers to congregate in public places, as long as they met coincidentally and have no illegal intentions: “For example, you wouldn’t say it’s illegal for people to gather at public parks during Mid-Autumn Festival to light lanterns," says Luk.
Things were noticeably quieter when we went out to Tai Po Waterfront Park on Monday—when the game launched in Hong Kong— to have a go at catching Pokémon.
