Singapore police invokes the power of Pokémon to get its message across

SINGAPORE — Pokémon Go isn't out here yet, but the Singapore police force knows its audience.

On Sunday, it tweeted a reminder to watch your belongings when you're out so you're not a target for pickpockets and the like.

Its tweet features a composite photo of a hand holding a phone, showing a mock-up resembling Pokémon Go. A wallet and phone bearing the words "free" takes the place of a Pokémon onscreen, complete with a blue — not red — Poké Ball.

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The response online has been mostly positive:

The police tweet came the same day that a senior government minister confirmed that authorities would keep a close eye on the globally trending game.

Minister for communication and information, Yaacob Ibrahim, said the government would "study very, very carefully whatever is brought into Singapore."

Across the border, Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar too said that the police will monitor Pokémon Go and determine if it poses a security threat, local press reported.

The police will look out for illegal behaviour in the game such as gambling or inciting hatred.