Fourth dating app incident occurs as police investigate alleged homophobic attacks

As police continue to investigate a series of alleged homophobic attacks in Canberra earlier this year, they have also become aware of a fourth incident linked to the same dating app.

There were reportedly three cases of men being lured to locations via the dating app Grindr before being attacked by a group of men in July 2024.

“Police believe all three cases are linked and are actively using the app through which the meetings were arranged,” an ACT Police spokesperson said.

Earlier this week, police were notified of another incident.

It is alleged that on Tuesday evening (September 3), a man was arrested after arranging to meet someone on the same dating app.

“The victim was not injured during the confrontation and does not wish to file a formal complaint at this time,” the police spokesman said.

Police said on Friday (September 6) that officers were continuing to investigate the alleged attacks in July, and Detective Inspector Matt Sprague urged any victims of such incidents to come forward.

“We understand that a victim may be reluctant to involve the police; however, there are a range of options available for issues that are reported to us,” he said.

“It is important that every piece of information received by investigators can contribute to bringing offenders to court.

“Please call us as soon as possible after an incident. We will work with you to ensure your wishes are respected and connect you with support services.”

On July 16, the first man went to a home on Ada Norris Avenue in Denman Prospect to meet someone he had connected with on Grindr earlier that morning.

However, outside the house he was approached by four people who allegedly assaulted him before he could leave the scene on his motorbike.

Then, at around 2:30 a.m. on July 20, a second man agreed to meet a man at a house 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 attack, the group allegedly shouted homophobic insults at him, demanded money and tried to take his wallet and keys.

The man was reportedly chased on foot by the group, who continued to assault him in front of another home on Investigator Street. He was able to push the group back onto Discovery Street.

Then, later in the morning of July 20, at around 4am, the third man arrived at an address on Investigator Street in Red Hill, where he was allegedly attacked by a group of five to eight people wearing masks.

Police have urged Canberra residents using dating apps to consider their personal safety when meeting someone face-to-face for the first time. If possible, consider meeting in a public place first, such as a cafe, restaurant or shopping centre.

If you have any 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 24-Hour Crisis Helpline – 13 11 14
Suicide Reminder Service – 1300 659 467
Child Helpline – 1800 551 800, or
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.