West Midlands Police have issued a warning to users of the ‘Grindr’ App after two men who used the dating app to meet potential dates were lured to secluded parkland, attacked and robbed.
The robberies both happened at a grassy area off Yardley Green Road in Bordesley Green, Birmingham.
The first incident happened in January, but according to West Midlands Police, a further report was made this week.
The male victims, aged 54 and 56, were lured to the location, where they were met by a group of suspects who robbed them of their cards, phones, keys and money.
The incidents are being treated as linked and police are warning those who use dating apps to be cautious.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said:
“If you’re planning to meet someone you’ve met on any dating app, the safest place to meet is in a public area.
“And we’d advise you to stay in a public area. Make sure you tell someone you trust where you are going.
“If something like this has happened to you, and you haven’t yet reported it to police, please contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am – midnight. Or call 101 anytime.
“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime number 20BE/4342D/19”.
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