The Met Police is investigating around 50 burglaries that occurred between October 2024 and March 2025, primarily involving suspects who used the Grindr app to meet victims at their homes. Once inside, they would distract victims and steal valuable items, especially mobile phones, often by observing them input their PINs. Superintendent Owen Renowden highlighted the premeditated nature of these offenses and confirmed that three arrests had been made. Due to the incidents' severe implications for community safety, the police are treating the cases as potential hate crimes. They are encouraging victims to report any incidents to assist the investigation.
Police also found that the suspects were watching victims closely as they typed in their phone PINs. They then used distraction techniques to steal the phones and went on to make digital payments using the stolen information.
Superintendent Owen Renowden, who is leading 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.
We believe there are a number of offences that have not yet been reported to us, so I urge anyone who may have been targeted, or may have crucial information to contact us as soon as possible.
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.
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