Geelong police say dating apps linked to crimes including theft, sexual assault

Geelong’s criminals are increasingly using dating apps to lure unsuspecting victims, with authorities warning of the telltale danger signs. Read more about some of our worst offences.

Criminals are using dating apps to lure victims into terrifying circumstances amid calls to improve protection for users.

Geelong Crime Investigation Unit Sergeant Jaime Gillard confirmed police were seeing instances of predatory behaviour on dating apps in the region.

“This includes people meeting up in person where consent is not provided for sexual activity, leading to one party being sexually assaulted,” Sgt Gillard said.

“It also includes instances where thefts have taken place.”

Sarah Stanford was jailed for her attacks on a man she lured through a dating app.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said eSafety had been actively engaging with dating platforms since early 2020 to better understand how they managed reports of harassment and predation on their platforms.

“eSafety has raised concerns with dating platforms, including that dating apps and platforms can be a path to image-based abuse,” Ms Inman Grant said.

She said of issue on these apps and platforms was repeat offending, where users who engaged in predatory behaviour may be identified and their accounts deactivated, only to reappear on the platform under new accounts and aliases.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. Picture: Supplied

“We also have concerns about deficiencies in reporting mechanisms, with long response times, or sometimes no response at all, when people report predatory behaviour,” she said.

“While some dating platforms have made some positive strides in this area, there is still more work to do.

“As an online safety regulator, we don’t want companies to fail at protecting their users, but it’s clear they must lift their standards and do better.”

Sgt Gillard said dating apps and other social media platforms had become a common way for people to connect, particularly during the pandemic, and while many people using them had a positive experience, there were some instances of predatory behaviour.

“We urge people to always consider their safety plan when meeting a stranger for the first time for any reason – this could include choosing a location with lots of people around, meeting during daylight hours, and sharing your location with friends,” she said.

“If you are subject to any type of concerning behaviour from someone you met via a dating app, we strongly encourage you to contact police.”

Dr Bianca Klettke, a senior lecturer at Deakin University’s

school of psychology and a leading academic in the field of cyberpsychology, said for a lot of people, online platforms were a way to connect during lockdown.

“Apps responding to complaints is critical to keeping people safe,” she said.

Helen Bolton, chief executive of The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, said sexual assault perpetrators may misuse technology like dating apps to monitor, stalk, groom, coerce, impersonate, control or harm.

“Everyone has the right to be safe, whether it’s using dating apps or meeting someone in person,” she said.

Originally published as Geelong police say dating apps linked to crimes including theft, sexual assault