Pokémon Go is a new game craze that has encouraged players to get out and get moving to "Catch them all". With the popularity of the game, the City of Newport News has seen an increase in persons around the city in search of Pokémon. City Center, Port Warwick, the Mariners Museum, Christopher Newport University and other locations have become hotspots as multiple "Pokestops" can be found in close proximity. For non-players - "Pokestops" are locations throughout the city designated by the Pokemon Go game as places where items and characters can be located.

While we encourage players to get out and enjoy the sites of our city, players need to be mindful of Virginia trespassing laws and ensure they remain in compliance as many churches and other privately owned locations are designated in the Pokemon Go game as Pokestops".

“Trespassing on property after being told not do so either orally or written (no trespassing signs) can be a Class 1 misdemeanor. Trespassing on church or school property can be a Class 3 misdemeanor and trespassing at night in a cemetery for any purpose other than to visit the burial lot or grave of some member of your family, can be a Class 4 misdemeanor. Have fun but respect other people and property at the same time.

For specific information about trespass laws go to the Code of Virginia and view  

· 18.2-119. Trespass after having been forbidden to do so

· 18.2-128. Trespass upon church or school property 

· 18.2-125. Trespass at night upon any cemetery