Pokemon Go app creating safety concerns while local trainers are out "catching 'em all"

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new phone app is generating calls to police. It's called Pokemon Go-- the latest in a game series of a Japanese cartoon-- and it has hundreds of players prowling parks and private property across the Valley.

On a typical Monday night, Dry Creek Park is crawling with children,

but this week on these trails a hidden world is drawing gaming fanatics.

"He's like, 'are you playing Pokemon?' And I'm like, 'yeah-- I'm paying Pokemon,'" said Jared Serpa, Clovis.

Serpa is a self-proclaimed Pokemon Master. For the past six days, he's been driving through town trying to catch them all.

"I'm the farthest along and I have the most-- not to brag-- I have the most powerful Pokemon."

But many other enthusiasts haven't been as lucky. Across the country, some have fallen victim to thieves.

In Clovis, two teenagers so engrossed in the game fell victim to a robbery early Sunday morning. Officers said players need to look out for their surroundings-- especially at night.

"You never know who you are going to meet. Who's on the other side," said Sgt.Jim Munro, Clovis Police.

Officers said some people are so intent on catching Pokemon, they're trespassing onto private property. Some even going to parks after hours to increase their inventory.

"I'll admit to it, I kind of did it myself the other night. I went into Dry Creek Park to get some Pokestops," said Santiago Espudo, Clovis

"If people see people in their backyard that shouldn't be there, that's a whole new set of problems. Weapons can come out and we don't want that to happen," said Munro.

But for those that do play by the rules, there's a lot of reward.

"It's like another world in your phone and then you look out, and you're like, I'm in this world-- playing in this world," said Serpa.

Because catching them all doesn't mean risking it all.

Officers said they've also received reports of people walking into traffic.

They are also warning people not to play and drive at the same time.