A police investigation is underway over how three men were allegedly assaulted after matching with people on Grindr. Photo: Albert McKnight.
While police are still investigating the alleged string of homophobic assaults in Canberra earlier this year, they have also learned of a fourth incident relating to the same dating app.
It is alleged there were three cases of men being lured to locations over the dating app Grindr before they were assaulted by a group of males in July 2024.
“Police believe all three matters are linked and are actively engaging with the app that the meet-ups were arranged through,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said.
Earlier this week, police were made aware of another incident.
It is alleged that on Tuesday night (3 September), a man was confronted after arranging to meet up with a person on the same dating app.
“The victim was not injured during the confrontation and does not wish to provide a formal complaint at this time,” the police spokesperson said.
On Friday (6 September), police said officers were continuing to investigate the alleged July attacks, and Detective Inspector Matt Sprague urged any victim of this type of incident to come forward.
“We understand a victim may be reluctant to involve police; however, there are a range of options available for matters reported to us,” he said.
“Importantly – each piece of information received by investigators can assist in bringing offenders before the court.
“Please call us as soon as possible after an incident. We will work with you to ensure your wishes are respected and we will put you in touch with support services.”
ACT Policing is urging any victims of these types of assaults to come forward. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
On 16 July, the first man went to a home on Ada Norris Avenue in Denman Prospect to meet a person he’d connected with on Grindr earlier that morning.
However, outside the home, he was approached by four people who allegedly assaulted him before he was able to leave the scene on his motorbike.
Next, at around 2:30 am on 20 July, a second man agreed to meet a man at a home on Investigator Street in Red Hill using the same dating app.
But shortly after he arrived, a group of seven to eight men appeared and allegedly began assaulting him.
During the assault, the group allegedly shouted homophobic slurs at him, as well as demanded money and attempted to take his wallet and keys.
The man was allegedly pursued on foot by the group, who continued to assault him in front of another home on Investigator Street. He was able to fight the group off on Discovery Street.
Then, later that same morning, at about 4 am on 20 July, the third man arrived at an address on Investigator Street in Red Hill, where he was allegedly assaulted by a group of five to eight people wearing face coverings.
Police have asked Canberrans using dating apps to consider their personal safety when meeting someone face-to-face for the first time. Where possible, consider meeting in a public place first, such as a café, restaurant or shopping centre.
If you have information about these incidents, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via Crime Stoppers ACT.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800, or
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
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