Atlanta robbers targeting victims on gay dating app, police advise

Atlanta robbers targeting victims on gay dating app, police advise

They met somebody on a prominent dating application, started chatting and eventually accepted go out. Then the unwary targets were robbed by that individual and also hijacked at gunpoint on their very first days.

Authorities are cautioning participants of Atlanta's LGBT area to remain cautious complying with a string of break-ins that began as conversations on the prominent gay dating app Grindr. Investigators stated a number of men have actually been burglarized in current months as well as believe there might be extra targets who have not come forward.

At a press conference Wednesday, Atlanta police claimed they  have actually recognized at least eight individuals that were stood up under comparable situations because February, calling it "a very concerning pattern."

The men normally present themselves on Grindr prior to talking up their targets, getting their contact number and also taking the discussions offline. Ultimately, they ask them out.

"From February to May, we have had eight instances where male targets were tempted to remote locations by use of the Grindr app," said Sgt. Rodney Jones, who works in APD's burglary system. "After the date wraps up, the suspect will rob the victim, frequently taking their purses, keys or perhaps cars."

Late last month, one male stated he was hijacked by a person he fulfilled on the application after picking up the suspect as well as driving him to an location off Hightower Road. Quickly after they arrived, however, his date took out a weapon and also told him: "Give me the auto and also whatever you got."

The suspect after that drove off in the target's cars and truck, cops stated. The vehicle was later on recovered, but detectives are still trying to figure out who is accountable for the string of burglaries.

Most of the cases have taken place in northwest Atlanta, however some have happened in Zone 3 in the city's southeastern quadrant, authorities stated. The sufferers are generally lured to remote areas after their days and after that robbed.

"The person normally has a handgun," Jones stated. "They  get on a typical day, as well as after the date concludes they'll simply burglarize the person of their possessions."

Authorities think a single person is in charge of the majority of the break-ins in Area 1 and also stated added suspects are most likely associated with the Zone 3 heists. Investigators claimed they have actually linked numerous robberies to a specific Grindr profile, yet declined to clarify at Wednesday's press conference, mentioning the continuous examination.

Policeman Eric King, the department's LGBT intermediary, claimed there are several points individuals can do to secure themselves when fulfilling someone for the first time.

" Discover a companion or a close friend that you rely on that you can alert when you're mosting likely to fulfill somebody," King said. "Meet at a supermarket. Meet at a public place before you reconvene someplace more intimate."

If someone rejects to FaceTime before a very first day or demands meeting in an isolated area, it may be a setup. King claimed residents are still motivated to day online and deal with their lives. He just wants them to be extra careful.

Anybody with info about the suspects, consisting of those that may have been robbed on a recent day, is asked to call Atlanta cops. For victims who might be reluctant regarding coming forward, King stated policemans agree to find to them.

"We treat everyone with dignity," Maj. D'Andrea Rate said. "We intend to quit these criminal offenses that (are) being done to our in some cases vulnerable population."

Informants can continue to be confidential, as well as be qualified for rewards of approximately $2,000, by speaking to Criminal offense Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting details to 274637 or seeing the Criminal offense Stoppers web site.

Keep in mind: Atlanta authorities said 2 images that were launched and consisted of in earlier versions of this story were not of the suspects.