Victoria Police has arrested more than 30 people as part of an investigation into a series of concerning attacks on men linked to the use of dating apps and social media.
Police allege several groups of offenders - primarily young males aged between 13 and 20 - have been posing as legitimate users of the platforms to lure men into meeting them.
The victims are then allegedly assaulted, robbed, threatened and subjected to homophobic comments.
Some incidents have involved victims being filmed with the videos posted on social media accounts.
Police have seen incidents occur across the state, particularly in local government areas taking in Manningham, Casey, Hume, Moorabbin and Knox.
The more than 30 arrests have been made since October last year.
The arrests include:
• A 16-year-old boy for intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and possessing a prohibited weapon without lawful excuse. The boy has been charged.
• A 17-year-old boy for intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and possessing a drug of dependence. The boy has been charged.
• Two 16-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy for recklessly causing injury. All three boys were charged.
• A 13-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy for kidnapping and armed robbery. Two of the boys were charged and bailed to face court. The other boy was released pending further enquiries.
• Seven 17-year-old boys for armed robbery, violent disorder and false imprisonment. Two of the boys were charged and bailed at court. The remaining five have been charged on summons to appear at court at a later date.
• Four 19-year-old males from Bayswater, Lyndhurst and Cranbourne East for armed robbery. Three of the males were charged and bailed to face court. The other male was released pending further enquiries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Victoria Police treats incidents of this nature with the utmost seriousness and urges victims to come forward so police can investigate.
This is crucial so a criminal investigation can commence to hold offenders to account. Reporting to a dating app does not mean the matter is then automatically reported to police.
Police can request information from dating apps to assist in solving investigations and conduct a criminal investigation even where one party has blocked or deleted someone from the app.
Police are continuing to work with selected dating apps as part of the investigation, including to publish proactive safety messaging on the platforms with reporting options and support services.
If you or someone you know has experienced this behaviour after using a dating app or other social media platform please make a report to police.
As when using any app or social media platform, please always remain vigilant by protecting your identity and location and verifying the other person's identity before meeting up.
In an emergency, always phone Tripe-0 (000). If you can't get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.
For more information on safe online dating, visit: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/current-focus/onlinedating
If you would prefer to speak to a Victoria Police LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer, visit:
LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officers | Your safety | Victoria Police
Quotes attributable to Priority and Safer Communities Division Acting Superintendent Carolyn Deer:
"There is absolutely no place for this type of concerning behaviour in our society. It will not be tolerated.
"Everyone has a right to go about their lives, meet new people and start a relationship in safety.
"We know this has been a distressing situation for the victims involved - and these arrests show just how serious we are in holding offenders to account.
"As when using any app or social media platform, please always remain vigilant by protecting your identity and location and verifying the other person's identity before meeting up.
"Victoria Police is committed to the safety and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities and we take any report of this behaviour extremely seriously and investigate."
