Metropolitan Police officers are appealing for victims to come forward following a concerning series of burglaries, thefts, and fraud offences across London, in which individuals were allegedly targeted via the dating and social networking app Grindr.
Approximately 50 offences are believed to have occurred between October 2024 and March 2025, prompting an urgent uk/news/uk/Investigation" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="investigation" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="191064">investigation by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command. Officers believe there may be additional victims who have yet to report incidents.
Criminals Exploiting Dating App
According to police, suspects used Grindr to arrange meetings with victims at their homes. Once inside, they allegedly stole high-value items, particularly mobile phones. In some instances, the suspects reportedly built rapport with their victims, discreetly observed PIN numbers being entered, and used distraction tactics to steal the devices—later making fraudulent digital transactions.
Superintendent Owen Renowden, the Met’s hate crime lead overseeing the investigation, said:
“This is a series of pre-planned offences where unsuspecting victims have been targeted, often in their own homes.
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.”
Arrests and Investigation Progress
The operation has already led to three arrests:
- A 22-year-old man from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, was arrested on 3 April and has been charged and remanded in custody.
- Two men, aged 27 and 28, both from Harrow, have also been arrested on suspicion of burglary and are currently out on police bail.
Despite progress, police believe many offences remain unreported.
“Our investigation is progressing at pace,” Superintendent Renowden added, “but we believe there are a number of offences that have not yet been reported to us.”
Reassurance for Victims
Police are encouraging any potential victims or witnesses to come forward, stressing that reports will be handled with care and sensitivity.
“We 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,” said Renowden.
The Met is working closely with LGBT+ advocacy groups, including the LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group and anti-abuse charity GALOP, to ensure a victim-centred and respectful approach.
Contact Police
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or has information that could assist with the investigation is urged to contact police via:
Call 101 and quote reference CAD 5090/15APR
Crimestoppers (100% anonymous): 0800 555 111 or Crimestoppers-uk.org
GALOP National LGBT+ Helpline: 0800 999 5428
The Met continues to urge vigilance when arranging online meetups and reminds residents to report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
