NSW Police hate crime unit investigate assaults across northern beaches, western and southwestern Sydney

Assaults linked to online dating meet-ups have been reported across the northern beaches and western Sydney, with the NSW Police hate crime unit stepping in and warnings issued to those using online apps.

Police believe the assaults are connected to dating app meet ups. Picture: Thomas Trutschel

Assaults linked to online dating meet-ups have been reported across the northern beaches and western Sydney, with the NSW Police hate crime unit stepping in and warnings issued to people using online apps.

NSW Police has confirmed it is currently investigating a number of assaults across the state, particularly on the Northern Beaches and across western and southwestern Sydney areas.

“Police believe the assaults have occurred after the victim has arranged to meet with an unknown person/s via online dating apps,” a spokesman for NSW Police said.

“As the investigations remain ongoing, no further information is available at this time.”

The spokesman said the engagement and hate crime unit worked closely with NSW LGBTQ+ organisation ACON “to raise awareness and promote safety messaging whenever such incidents come to our attention”.

NSW Police generic image. Picture Thomas Lisson

“The unit closely monitors all hate crime related incidents in NSW and assists investigators when subject matter expertise is required.

“Incidence of bias-related crimes – motivated by perceptions of sexuality or gender – are always treated seriously by the NSW Police Force.”

A statement from ACON says the assaults are alleged to have been carried out by groups of young men and teenagers, who would connect with people on apps such as Grindr before moving to less traceable apps.

From there, they organise to meet up with their matches in isolated areas such as parks.

ACON are advising the LGBTQ+ community to take precautions when matching on dating apps.

These include sharing your location with a friend, meeting in a public place or doing a video chat before meeting up.

The public service announcement that pops up when someone opens Grindr. Picture: Reddit

Dating apps like Grindr currently have a community safety message which appears when users open it within NSW.

Sydney drag queen Kiama Blowhole told this masthead they weren’t surprised to hear about the assaults linked to dating apps.

“Grindr has always been notorious for being a place to harbour such activities of violence,” she said.

Sydney drag queen Kiama Blowhole. Picture: Supplied

“I think that the issue is related to a lot of homophobic crimes that have been happening here on Oxford St. The other week, I got a hate crime just by simply standing at a bus stop.

“Then again at my local shopping centre … as I was leaving the grocery store, a gentleman screamed at me and said the F slur. Back in 2022, I was beaten up on Oxford St.

“Given the fact that it is 2024, there needs to be more protections for the LGBTQ+ people.”

Anyone who believes they may be a victim or witness of a gay hate related crime is encouraged to report the matter. Reports can be made anonymously online via Crime Stoppers or on 1800 333 000.