Police 'disappointed' Pokémon Center S'pore did not anticipate massive turnout for product launch at Jewel

The police have issued a statement advising retailers and organisers to implement proper crowd control measures during events.

This statement came on the back of a cancelled product launch at the Pokémon Center Singapore after more than 1,000 attendees turned up, causing obstruction and impeding walkways at Jewel Changi Airport.

Crowd grew to over 1,000 pax

The turnout presumably overwhelmed Pokémon Center Singapore, prompting the retailer to cancel the product launch just 30 minutes before it was scheduled to happen.

The police told Mothership that they received a call for assistance at 6:10am, regarding a large crowd gathering at Pokémon Center Singapore, which is located within Jewel Changi Airport:

"Upon arrival, officers observed a crowd of over 200 people gathered outside Pokémon Center and its immediate vicinity, reportedly for the launch of a new product.

The crowd quickly swelled over 500 in a matter of minutes and continued to grow, reaching a peak exceeding 1,000 people at around 9:15am.

The large crowd completely obstructed several walkways in the vicinity of the store, impeding the walkways on the level."

Officers from the Airport Police Division were activated to maintain law and order.

They also assisted in regulating the dispersal of the crowd after Pokémon Center Singapore called off the product launch at around 9:20am.

Police "disappointed" at lack of crowd control measures

The police expressed their "disappointment" that Pokémon Center Singapore did not anticipate the crowd and implement appropriate crowd control measures.

An effective crowd control measure would minimise public safety risks, said the police, who added:

"Police urge retailers and event organisers to collaborate closely with premise owners to implement effective crowd control measures during such events."

According to the police, effective crowd control measures include:

• Identifying suitable and sufficient queueing space;
• Establishing proper queue management systems to regulate crowd flow;
• Deploying additional security personnel and staff to manage crowd; and
• Providing clear communication and messaging to manage crowd expectations.

Similarly, a spokesperson from Jewel Changi Airport said it was "unfortunate" that the Pokémon Center Singapore had underestimated the turnout for their product launch.

"The safety of our guests is of utmost importance.

We work closely with all our retailers for their events, and remain committed to supporting them in the implementation of effective crowd control measures whenever large crowds are anticipated."

Top images: Chankit