Grindr used to target victims, police believe

Police believe dating app Grindr has been used to target possible robbery victims.

Norfolk Police said two incidents took place in Gildencroft Quaker Cemetery in Chatham Street in Norwich and a third incident at Gunton skatepark in the city between 21 August and 29 August.

The force said in two of these incidents, the dating app was used by the suspects to organise a meeting.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of robbery and attempted robbery and has been released on police bail until 29 November.

Police said the first alleged robbery took place at the cemetery at about 11:13 BST on 21 August after being organised through the dating app.

When the victim arrived, he was allegedly assaulted and had his phone stolen. More than £1,000 was transferred into a bank account, police said.

On 29 August, a second alleged victim walking through the same cemetery was approached by three men in balaclavas who made an attempt to rob him.

Later that same day, in a third incident, a victim met with another man following contact via the dating app at Gunton in Marl Pit Lane in Norwich at about 14:04.

He was allegedly assaulted by one man while two others joined and stole his phone. A total of £3,000 was transferred into a bank account.

Det Ch Insp John Beales said the reports were being taken "extremely seriously" and they were investigating the "motives of those exploiting the app".

"We would encourage anyone who has experienced a similar incident, or has concerns about related suspicious activity linked to social media, to contact us."

Grindr has been approached by the BBC for comment.

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