A gang of thieves in London are targeting men through the gay dating app Grindr. After two incidents in the capital recently it’s thought the gang are specifically trawling through Grindr to arrange dates just to rob their victims. Not very chill at all when you think about it, this gang is betraying the sanctity of the mobile dating app in the worst way.

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The attacks took place in Croydon, south London, and both involved a man getting coaxed into a date before being attacked by a gang of four. The victims were left shaken by the assault, which happened within 48 hours of one another. Thankfully they were not seriously injured.

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Police released this statement after two victims were mugged at knifepoint. DC Sheree Yates, of the Metropolitan Police, said:

The victims thankfully did not suffer serious physical injuries but have been left very shaken by these incidents.

We are keen to identify the suspects as soon as possible and are appealing to anyone with any information to contact the police.

We would also like to take this opportunity to reassure the LGBT community that we are doing everything we can to arrest these men.

I would urge everyone who uses online dating apps and sites to take steps to help them to stay safe whilst meeting strangers.

Be careful if you’re using the app. As for the gang, let’s hope they’re tracked down soon enough.

If you’re interested, check out where London’s gangs operate, grim viewing indeed but maybe helpful for when you’re making your next move in the big smoke.