Men Charged Over Alleged ‘Grindr-Targeted’ Burglaries in London
Two men have been charged in connection with a series of burglaries in London allegedly targeting victims through the dating app Grindr, raising fresh concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals on social platforms.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the suspects are accused of using the app to arrange meetings with men at their homes, where they would allegedly gain access under false pretences before stealing valuable items. The incidents are said to have taken place across several boroughs in the capital over recent months.
Authorities confirmed that both men are facing multiple charges including burglary, fraud, and theft. Detectives believe the victims were deliberately targeted because of their perceived vulnerability when meeting someone from a dating platform in a private setting.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said:
“These crimes appear to have been carefully planned, with the suspects allegedly using Grindr to exploit individuals looking to connect. We are urging anyone who believes they may have been affected to come forward.”
The case has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, with advocacy groups calling for increased awareness and platform accountability.
A spokesperson for LGBTQ+ safety charity Galop said:
“These disturbing reports highlight the ongoing need for vigilance when using dating apps, especially for LGBTQ+ people who are often disproportionately targeted in such crimes. While apps like Grindr offer connection, they can also be exploited by those with harmful intent.”
In response to the case, Grindr issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to user safety.
“We are deeply concerned by the reported incidents and are fully cooperating with law enforcement. Grindr provides safety tips and features such as location sharing controls and block/report functions to help protect our community.”
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about dating app-related crimes in the UK. Police have previously issued public advisories urging users to meet in public spaces where possible, share their plans with trusted friends, and be cautious about sharing personal information too quickly.
Both suspects have been remanded in custody and are due to appear in court later this month. Police have urged other potential victims to come forward, assuring them that reports will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.
As the investigation continues, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with online dating, and the importance of combining digital freedom with personal safety.
