Police raid five homes in the ACT and NSW over alleged homophobic assaults

Police have raided five homes across the ACT and NSW while continuing to investigate an alleged string of homophobic assaults in Canberra earlier this year.

There are three alleged cases of men being lured to locations over the dating app Grindr before being assaulted by a group of males in July 2024.

It is believed all matters are linked.

“Following a thorough investigation, five search warrants have been executed at various residences in the ACT and NSW throughout the last fortnight – including some as recent as yesterday,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said on Friday (4 October).

“As a result of these search warrants, several electronic devices have been seized and a number of youths have been spoken to by police.

“At this time, no arrests have been made in relation to these incidents; however, investigations remain ongoing.”

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, 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 also been made aware of a potential fourth incident.

It is alleged that on the night of 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,” a police spokesperson said that month.

If you have information that could assist this investigation, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Quote reference number 7800123.

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.