Key Points:
- Met Police investigating about 50 offences involving burglary, theft, and fraud linked to Grindr.
- Crimes occurred between October 2024 and March 2025 across London.
- Suspects targeted victims at home, stealing phones and high-value items.
- Offenders sometimes observed phone PINs before distraction thefts and fraud.
- Three arrests made: a 22-year-old charged, two others bailed.
- Crimes treated as potential hate crimes due to community impact.
- Victims urged to come forward; Met Police working with LGBT+ groups and charity GALOP.
A major police investigation is underway after approximately 50 burglaries, thefts, and fraud offences across London were linked to criminals using the dating app Grindr to target victims.
How were the offences committed through Grindr?
According to the Metropolitan Police, suspects arranged meetings with victims via Grindr, often visiting the victims’ homes where they stole high-value items, primarily mobile phones. In other incidents, the offenders allegedly built rapport with their targets, discreetly observed them entering their phone PIN numbers, and then used distraction tactics to steal the devices. The stolen phones were then reportedly used for digital payments and 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, resulting in high-value items being taken.”
How many arrests have been made so far?
The investigation has led to three arrests:
- A 22-year-old man from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, was arrested on 3 April on suspicion of burglary and fraud offences. He has been charged and remanded in custody.
- Two men, aged 27 and 28, both from Harrow, were arrested on suspicion of burglary and are currently on bail as enquiries continue.
Why are the offences being treated as hate crimes?
Superintendent Renowden confirmed the offences are being treated as potential hate crimes due to their targeted nature and the serious impact on the safety of individuals and communities.
“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,” he stated.
What support is available for victims?
Acknowledging that some victims may be hesitant to report incidents, the Met is working closely with its LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group and the anti-abuse charity GALOP to ensure sensitive handling of cases.
Superintendent Renowden said:
“I 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.”
He added:
“The Met Police is fully committed to ensuring all our communities in London feel safe, as well as continuing to enhance the trust and confidence LGBT+ people place in us.”
How can victims or witnesses contact police?
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or who has information that could help the investigation is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 5090/15APR.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
Victims can also seek support via GALOP’s national helpline at 0800 999 5428.
