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