Sheriff's Deputies Offer Safety Tips For Pokemon Go Players

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles County sheriff's officials Wednesday provided Pokemon Go players tips on how to remain safe while playing the game.

"Many of our deputies continue to capture Pokemon and want to share some secrets in becoming the ultimate Ash Ketchum," the department said on Facebook, referring to one of the game's main characters.

Deputies advised the public to adhere to the following safety tips:

— Don't play while driving

— Play in well-lit areas

— If you suspect you are being followed, yell for help and use your phone to dial 911

— Be aware of your surroundings as you play

— Stay off private property

— Play in pairs with a friend

— Be cautious of being lured into a bad situation

Pokemon Go, a smartphone game app that has become a sensation on social media, leads players to physically seek out virtual Pokemon characters in real world settings by using smartphone cameras.