The popular game app Pokemon Go is luring millions to play it, but some lawmakers say parents beware. They say the game is bringing children near the homes of sex offenders. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.

Pokemon Go is a big hit, with people walking around in a virtual treasure hunt for characters using their cellphones. But there is a concern it may present real dangers to children.

"They could be walking directly into the path of a sexual predator," said state Senator Diane Savino of Staten Island.

State Senators Savino and Jeff Klein say they've discovered Pokemon Go elements popping up in front of or near the homes of child sex offenders. They made the claim after staffers using the Pokemon app went to the addresses of 100 convicted pedophiles who are registered with the state under Megan's law.  

"57 percent of the time we are out in front of a dangerous sex offender's residence, a Pokemon character appeared," Klein said.

When their staffers searched for PokeStops and gyms as well as characters, 73 percent of the time, they were brought to within a half a block of a pedophile's home.

However, the study did not find the offenders were the ones placing Pokemon Go elements near their homes.

"The sites are done randomly by the company," Klein said. "We want the company to now police those sites, to make sure they did not choose a site that's near a sexual predator's home."

The senators vowed to introduce legislation forcing so-called "augmented reality" gamemakers to remove characters from areas near offenders, and also make it illegal for pedophiles to play the games.

NY1 caught up with a few Pokemon Go players. They said this news should not stop people from enjoying the game, but, of course, they should use caution.

"Just being smart, making sure your kids are not going and catching Pokemon alone. Even for older children, I've seen a lot of them going in packs of like six, eight, 10 kids. It is much better than going alone," said one player. "Also, report serious problems. You can do that on your phone."

"The game tells you when you're loading in, you got to be aware of your surroundings. Parents, it's the same with any video game. Know what you are getting your kids into," said another. "If you're worried about the content, if you are worried, play with them. It is a good family activity."

Millions are starting to play Pokemon Go every week.