Police issue urgent warning to Grindr users after two Spanish-speaking thieves drugged and robbed four men they met on gay hook-up app
- The incidents are said to have occurred between New Year’s Eve and January 9
- Four victims reported thefts in Brentford, Hounslow, Hampton and Bromley
- The suspects, a large black man and a slimmer white man, have since fled UK
Users of Grindr have been warned about their personal safety amid reports that two Spanish-speaking thieves have drugged and robbed men they met on the gay hook-up app.
Detectives say they have been approached by four victims so far between New Year’s Eve and January 9 in different parts of London.
They believe more men have fallen prey to the pair and are encouraging other victims to come forward.
Users of Grindr have been warned about their personal safety amid reports that two Spanish-speaking thieves have drugged and robbed men they met on the gay hook-up app (file pic)
The suspects, a large black man and a slimmer white man, have since fled the country.
Detective Superintendent Dan O’Sullivan said: ‘We believe other victims may have been targeted between the New Year period and January 9, however for personal reasons may not have wanted to report it.
‘If you have been a victim, you can report in confidence to us or speak to an officer from the LGBTQ+ community.
‘Although the suspects have fled the country and the risk to the community is reduced, we are continuing to engage with our partners and those from LGBT independent advisory groups.’
The thieves are believed to have met the victims on Grindr and then drugged them to make them unconscious, police said.
All four men who came forward said they woke to find their belongings missing.
The thefts happened in Brentford and Hounslow in west London, Hampton in south-west London and Bromley in south-east London.
Other potential victims or anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting Operation Cavendish.
Police have issued a warning to users of Grindr over their personal safety amid a series of thefts and advise telling or friend or relative when looking to meet someone for the first time
For people looking to meet someone they have befriended online, the police advise telling a friend or relative what arrangements have been made, getting the person’s phone number and a live photo or video, using messaging apps rather than social media for extra security, and doing a reverse image search to check for scams.
Officers also advise getting as much verifiable information from the person as possible, hiding your valuables, and pouring your own drink and keeping it in sight.
Source: Read Full Article
