Rotterdam police are planning to use Pokémon Go players as extra eyes and ears to help catch crooks, RTL news said on Thursday.

By using special ‘lures’ to attract players to crime hot spots, the police hope to discourage criminals and bring in more people to spot suspicious situations, the broadcaster said.

‘For example, we could use lures close to shops around closing times,’ beat police officer Kor de Jong told RTL. ‘All those Pokémon Go players would then put off criminals.’

‘We are placing lures at locations where, for example, a flasher was spotted or there have been a string of robberies or bike thefts,’ he said. Players who spot something suspicious are then urged to contact the police directly.

WhatsApp

Rotterdam police have also asked active Pokémon Go players if they would like to take part in a WhatsApp group with the police and neighbourhood watch teams, RTL said. They have already reportedly spotted a bike thief and shared a photo, allowing police to pick him up.

De Jong has spent €100 buying 180 lures which will be used in the coming period. ‘We will use them when necessary,’ he said. ‘If it is a success, more budget could be freed up to buy more lures.’

De Jong has also asked game maker Niantic if the police could also identify locations as potential Pokéstops, which have a key role in the online game. The company told RTL that they have had very many requests and none are being considered at the moment.