Ugly new tactic predator rideshare drivers are using to lure, assault females on Chapel Street, Melbourne

Predator rideshare drivers are using a shocking tactic to lure female nightclub revellers into their cars to sexually assault them — all while secretly pocketing extra cash.

Predatory rideshare drivers are luring women into their cars from Chapel Street’s bustling nightclub strip with off-app cash discounts to sexually assault them.

A recent spike in reports to police about drivers targeting patrons in the trouble-plagued precinct has revealed sex pests have been approaching women on the street and asking them to pay cash for a cheaper fare without formally requesting a tracked ride online.

Sex pests have been luring women into their cars with an off-the-grid money grab tactic. Picture: Grace Frost

Police say drivers have been using the off-the-grid money grab to sexually harass female passengers without leaving a trace, while pocketing cuts of fares that would have gone to major rideshare companies if the trips were registered.

It is understood some incidents have involved women being sexually assaulted, touched inappropriately or having to fend off unwanted propositions for sex from drivers.

The alarming tactic has prompted a police crackdown in the force’s first blitz of its kind.

Police are now patrolling the precinct to search for drivers allegedly preying on nightclub patrons.

Bayside Sexual Offence and Investigation Team investigators have been patrolling the popular precinct in recent days, searching for drivers allegedly taking advantage of nightclub patrons needing rides home late at night.

Detective Sergeant Anthony Murphy said predatory drivers would be held to account as police planned further operations targeting sexual harassment in rideshares.

He called for passengers to only accept rides they had booked through apps.

“Rideshare drivers are in a position of trust and have a duty of care to make sure their passengers get home safely,” he said.

“Everyone in our community has a right to go about their lives without fear of being a victim of crime, including sexual harassment or assault.”

Police are urging patrons to only accept rides they had booked through apps.

Dozens of detectives intercepted about 400 rideshare cars in the first operation across May 9 and 10.

The rideshare assaults are the latest in a spate of major incidents in the area, with issues plaguing the embattled precinct earlier this month prompting Stonnington Council to inject $2m into major safety improvements and clean-up efforts.

On Easter Sunday, Ruka Carlson, a 30-year-old father of six with suspected gang links, was allegedly stabbed to death near the Electric nightclub.

Two men are facing murder charges over his death.

Meanwhile, a 31-year-old Endeavour Hills man was left in an induced coma after two men allegedly slashed him with a pocket knife and a machete inside the renowned Revolver Upstairs.

Chapel Street has also been caught up in Victoria’s tobacco wars after an arsonist set himself on fire while torching the Lux Nightclub last November.

In august 2023, underworld boss Mohammed “Afghan Ali” Keshtiar was allegedly gunned down by Abdullay Abdalla, 25, and Adris Kheyali, 23, as he left his gym.

Originally published as Ugly new tactic predator rideshare drivers are using to lure, assault females on Chapel Street, Melbourne