Police are reminding users of online dating websites and smartphone applications to be mindful of their personal safety after a man was assaulted and robbed in Brisbane’s south in late October, Queensland Police say.
The internet and smart phone technology provide opportunities to meet new people, unfortunately, they can also introduce criminals’ intent on theft, fraud or other offences into your life.
A 35-year-old Brisbane man was assaulted and robbed after meeting up with someone he had only previous interacted with online.
When the pair met in East Brisbane on October 23 the 35-year-old was assaulted by the man, and two other people who had accompanied him, an unknown woman and man. He was punched and hit with a baseball bat before managing to break free and flee. The man attended hospital and obtained treatment for bruising and swelling to his face and head.
Following police investigations, a 21-year-old man was arrested at a Highgate Hill address on October 29 and charged with one count of armed robbery in company using personal violence. He has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 26.
Police investigations into the incident are continuing.
For more information regarding online safety visit the Office of the eSafety Commissioner at:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/ and https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/esafety-issues
Safety information regarding online dating sites, games and apps can be found at:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/games-apps-and-social-networking
Placing personal data on websites or uploading profiles to smart phone applications, including dating sites, can potentially leave users vulnerable to becoming a target as criminals can also access these sites to source potential victims.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
