Vancouver sign wards off Pokemon Go players with mix of shaming and humour

Urging players not to trespass for the sake of “catching them all,” signwriter compares game to hammer pants, Crystal Pepsi and George W. Bush.
In a “get off my lawn” sign for our modern times, a Vancouverite tried to shoo Pokemon Go players away with an appeal to “seriously think about your life choices” in a lengthy sign posted outside a residential building.
“Get a life and stay out of my yard,” reads the sign in all caps, urging players to opt for a beer around the corner instead.
The mobile game sees players hunting down virtual creatures in real life locations, prompting discussion about what’s out of bounds.
Proclaiming the game to be “by far the stupidest thing I have ever seen,” the note-writer qualifies the statement by listing fads and cultural moments gone by that it beats out, including hammer pants, the Macarena, and the presidency of George W. Bush.
Casey-Jo Loos, a local radio DJ with 102.7 The Peak, shared the sign on social media after seeing her friend Amanda post it to Facebook on Saturday.
“I thought it was hilarious, relatable, and so well-written that people would love the topical, timely sentiments,” she said in an email.
But since the post went viral, it has unleashed heated arguments on either side as some declared the sign writer a spoilsport while others steadfastly defended the sign’s sentiments.
The original poster has since taken down the post, fearful the backlash will put her and her neighbours in danger, Loos said.
The vitriol has also been sent her way, she said, with some people emailing her boss accusing the radio host of being unprofessional and promoting alcoholism thanks to the sign’s suggestion to hit the pub rather than play the game.
Police forces from New York City to New Zealand and across Canada have posted guidelines for safe Pokemon play, including warnings against trespassing on private property.
In Flagler County, Florida early Sunday morning, two teens playing the game were shot at by a homeowner who felt threatened when they parked outside his home. The homeowner missed and the teens escaped.
The game was officially released in Canada on Sunday, but crafty players found a way to get their hands on it sooner, prompting a friendly reminder from Vancouver police about safe play and trespassing.
But there is no way to know if people are following the advice, said Sgt. Randy Fincham.
“We don’t track Pokemon as a major crime trend, but it would be possibly included in lesser events such as trespassing at night, mischief if there’s damage to property or something of that nature,” he said.
Toronto police are not receiving a flood of calls about trespassing since in the wake of the game’s release either, said Const. Jenifferjit Sidhu.
For Loos, who has been trying the game out, the anger unleashed by the sign was disappointing.
“The fact that people are taking Pokemon Go so seriously and personally frightens me for the future of the human race.”