Essex police aren't happy with local Pokémon Go players in lockdown

Police in Rochford, near Southend in Essex, have issued – then deleted – a statement criticising local Pokémon Go fans for playing the game during lockdown.

In a now-removed social media post spotted by the Southend Standard this week, Rochford cops criticised those its community officers had found outdoors.

“Whilst patrolling, our community policing team have had cause to speak with a number of different men aged 30+ over the last week, who seemed to feel it is acceptable to attend certain public places within the district, to hunt Pokémon.

“Honestly, yes, you did read that correctly.

“If that happens to be someone you know, please remind them of the following information shared by our partners at Rochford District Council.”

In a follow-up article, Southend Standard revisited the topic, and noted that local residents had said playing the game was “exercising, just with a phone in their hands”.

Rochford police have now taken down the post, which attracted replies from people saying that walking counted as exercise as long as those playing the game were not also using it to meet other people or break lockdown restrictions.

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Over on top Pokémon Go reddit TheSilphRoad, there has been much discussion of the topic over the past few weeks, while many countries worldwide are in lockdown at present.

“Technically you are allowed outside to ‘exercise’ but you are not allowed outside for ‘recreation’,” one UK fan wrote. “The guidance is, as usual, a bit vague but if you are standing around for more than a couple of minutes you are breaking the law. In practice, of course, you should be OK. But, if there are more than two of you standing still, expect grief.”