Atlanta Thieves Are Using Dating App ‘Grindr’ To Lure, Rob Gay Men
The Atlanta Police Department is asking members of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community to remain vigilant when using the dating app Grindr after a string of robberies have occurred since February.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Sgt. Rodney Jones revealed that two or more suspects are responsible for utilizing the popular gay dating app to arrange dates with unsuspecting victims who are then lured to remote locations and robbed of their belongings. “After the date concludes, the suspect will rob the victim, often taking their wallets, keys, or even vehicles,” said Jones.
APD describes the robberies as a “very concerning pattern” impacting at least eight known victims since February with more possible victims that have yet to come forward. Authorities have released images of two suspects they believe are involved in the robberies.
From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Late last month, one man said he was carjacked by someone he met on the app after picking up the suspect and driving him to an area off Hightower Road. Shortly after they arrived, however, his date pulled out a gun and told him: “Give me the car and everything you got.”
The suspect then drove off in the victim’s car, police said. The vehicle was later recovered, but investigators are still trying to figure out who is responsible for the string of robberies.
Most of the incidents have taken place in northwest Atlanta, but some have occurred in Zone 3 in the city’s southeastern quadrant, authorities said. The victims are typically lured to remote locations after their dates and then robbed.
Police believe one person is responsible for most of the robberies in Zone 1 and said additional suspects are likely involved in the Zone 3 heists. Investigators said they have linked multiple robberies to a specific Grindr profile, but declined to elaborate at Wednesday’s news conference, citing the ongoing investigation.
Officer Eric King, the department’s LGBT liaison, said there are several things people can do to protect themselves when meeting someone for the first time.
“Find a partner or a friend that you trust that you can notify when you’re going to meet somebody,” King said. “Meet at a grocery store. Meet at a public place before you reconvene somewhere more intimate.”
“Listen to your inner voice,” he continued.
If someone refuses to FaceTime before a first date or insists on meeting in an isolated area, it might be a setup. King said residents are still encouraged to date online and go about their lives. He just wants them to be more cautious.
“Find a partner or a friend that you trust that you can notify when you’re going to meet somebody. Meet at a grocery store. Meet at a public place before you reconvene somewhere more intimate.”
Anyone with information about the suspects, including those who may have been robbed on a recent date, is asked to call Atlanta police.
Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637, or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
For victims who may be hesitant about coming forward, King said officers are willing to come to them.
