Pokemon Go.jpg

With Pokémon GO now available in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, and elsewhere with a workaround, plenty of eager fans are walking around a bit more than normal to catch 'mon. The idea that some are walking around grassy areas simply to catch grass-types isn't far-fetched - AR gaming makes us all behave unpredictably.

A particularly funny instance of the game clashing with the real world has emerged in Australia. The Darwin Police Station in Australia is apparently the location for Sandshrew in that area [Update, actually, it's a Pokéstop location], prompting people to awkwardly enter the building, capture the Pocket Monster and then make a strategic retreat. To the immense credit of Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services, it posted a good-willed status update on its Facebook page with some tips and safety reminders for Pokémon fans.

For those budding Pokémon Trainers out there using Pokémon Go - whilst the Darwin Police Station may feature as a Pokéstop, please be advised that you don't actually have to step inside in order to gain the Pokéballs.

It's also a good idea to look up, away from your phone and both ways before crossing the street. That Sandshrew isn't going anywhere fast.

Stay safe and catch 'em all!

Instances like this could be rather common as Trainers seek to fill up their Pokédex. It's worth remembering that safety and common sense should come first, even when trying to be the very best.

You can see our video man Alex catching some 'mon below, while also running his iPhone battery into the ground.

[source eurogamer.net, via facebook.com]