Gangsters are using the gate dating app Grindr to target a string of men as part of a major crime wave that has gripped London, police have warned.
Criminals are arranging dates with unsuspecting victims before then ambushing them at home and ransacking their properties, Scotland Yard believes.
Others are schmoozing their dates to surreptitiously obtain the pin to their victim’s phone, before stealing the device and going on a spending spree.
It’s thought the ‘Grindr gang’ could be behind at least 50 offences across the capital between October last year and March.
Detectives have now issued an urgent warning about the group – and are appealing for any potential victims to contact them.
Superintendent Owen Renowden, the Met’s hate crime lead who is overseeing the investigation, said: ‘This is a series of pre-planned offences where unsuspecting victims have been targeted, often in their own homes, resulting in high-value items being taken.
‘In the majority of cases, the suspects would arrange to meet the victims at their homes via the Grindr app, and once inside, would steal high value items including mobile phones.
‘In other reports we have received, they build a rapport with the victim while paying close attention to the pin number they enter into their phones before using distraction techniques to steal them, going on to make various digital payments and transactions.
Police believe a gang of criminals are using gate dating app Grindr to target a string of men as part of a crime wave that has gripped London (file image)
Police believe gangs of criminals are ambushing unsuspecting victims at their homes after arranging dates on Grindr (file image)
Superintendent Owen Renowden, the Met’s hate crime lead who is overseeing the investigation, is now appealing for other victims to come forward and get in touch
‘Due to the volume of these offences and the serious impact on the safety of both individuals and communities, we are treating them as potential hate crimes.’
The investigation has resulted in three arrests so far, the Met said.
A 22-year-old man from Potters Bar in Hertfordshire was arrested on Thursday, 3 April on suspicion of burglary and fraud offences. He was charged and remanded in custody.
Two other men, aged 27 and 28 and both from Harrow, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and are on bail while the investigation continues.
However, detectives believe there could still be more victims.
Superintendent Renowden, added: ‘Our investigation is progressing at pace, but we believe there are a number of offences that have not yet been reported to us, so I urge anyone who may have been targeted, or may have crucial information that will help us with our enquiries, to contact us as soon as possible.’
‘I understand some people may be apprehensive about getting in touch with us, but I’d like to provide reassurance that all reports will be thoroughly investigated.
‘We are working closely with our LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group and the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, GALOP, to ensure we conduct our investigation with sensitivity and care.
Scotland Yard believes their could be at least 50 incidents as part of the reported crime spree
‘The Met Police is fully committed to ensuring all our communities in London feel safe, as well as continuing to enhance the trust and confidence LGBT+ people place in us.
‘Organised crime has a devastating impact on society and your help will be key in helping us bring those responsible to justice.’
Victims or those with information are urged to call the police on 101, quoting the refence CAD 5090/15APR.
Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
