Grindr Nightmare: 13 Arrested In Melbourne’s Gay Dating App Attacks
A Wake-Up Call for Online Daters
Melbourne police have arrested 13 people linked to a series of attacks on LGBTQIA+ men. The victims met their attackers through popular dating apps like Grindr. These incidents have sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns about online dating safety.
Between July and October 2024, five men fell victim to these attacks. They were assaulted, robbed, and subjected to hate speech. Some attackers even filmed the incidents or used social media to find the victims’ homes.
The police nabbed a mix of adults and minors. Among them were two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old. One teen faces charges of attempted armed robbery, causing injury, and property damage. An 18-year-old was also charged with home invasion and reckless injury.
While these cases aren’t linked, they highlight a worrying trend. The police are urging more victims to come forward. They’re also pushing for greater caution when meeting online matches in person.
How to stay safe?
- Guard your identity and location online
- Verify who you’re meeting
- Choose public places for first dates
- Tell a friend where you’re going
Grindr’s response
The dating app has stepped up. Users in Victoria now see a safety warning when they open the app. It reminds them to be careful and offers advice on safe meetups.
Kelly Lawson from Victoria Police stressed their commitment to LGBTQIA+ safety. According to Star Observer, she said, “There’s no room for this behavior in our society. Everyone should be able to meet new people and start relationships safely.”
The police are still investigating. They’re asking anyone with information to come forward. These events serve as a stark reminder: in the world of online dating, safety must always come first.
